For the 17th straight year, realtors in the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky are giving back to the underprivileged in Squamish.
The annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive has returned and with the recent dump of snow in town, it's the perfect time for the community to help out.
The weeklong event that runs from Monday (Nov. 28) to Dec. 5 normally puts more than 5,000 bags of warm, winter items into the hands of those who need them. What started as a Vancouver-only event has now spread all the way from 撸奶社区to Chilliwack and has helped more than 166,000 people since 1995.
It's the eighth straight year that 撸奶社区realtors have participated and organizer Debbie Anderson said the response from the community has been consistently strong.
"The support we've received from this community is excellent," said Anderson, who works at Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty. "The people who get the clothing and blankets are so appreciative and we're happy to help distribute these items to those in need."
Sea to Sky Community Services will be the recipient of the donations this year and Anderson said organizers are looking for a number of different items to help the homeless.
"They have told us they would appreciate warm clothing, toiletries, warm underwear and socks," Anderson said.
Other recommended items are blankets, sleeping bags, scarves, gloves and hats. Either new or gently used items will be accepted.
Locals can donate at any real estate office in 撸奶社区and Anderson said the group's goal is to reach 100 bags donated locally this year.
The event runs from Nov. 28 to Dec. 5 but Anderson pointed out that the offices will accept donations for a number of weeks after the drive's official closing date.
For more information on the drive, visit www.rebgv.org/blanket-drive.
