Volunteers from Youth 20/20 Can Nanaimo and Volunteer Nanaimo are holding their annual Coats for Christmas event at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday and Saturday, Dec.13-14, collecting warm winter clothing for the Salvation Army. (Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

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‘Make a big difference:’ Nanaimo volunteers collecting warm clothing for those in need

Dec 13, 2024 | 12:06 PM

NANAIMO — A group of young volunteers are making sure nobody is left out in the cold this Christmas.

Members of Youth 20/20 Can Nanaimo and Volunteer Nanaimo will be collecting winter goats and other cold-weather gear at Maffeo Sutton Park on Friday, Dec. 13 from 3-7 p.m., and again on Saturday, Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Lions Pavillion.

Volunteer Kyle Wickland said this is the third time they’ve held their Coats for Christmas event since the pandemic, which started from a desire to help those without adequate winter wear stay warm.

“It being really cold outside we decided that we would do something about it that holiday season. Everyone needed some Christmas joy, and collecting coats and other items that keep people warm would really make a big difference in the lives of people who are less fortunate than the rest of us.”

Winter clothing collected by youth volunteers during the 2022 Coats for Christmas events. (Submitted)

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All items collected from the two days of donations will go to the local Salvation Army for distribution.

Wickland said they collected more than a thousand pieces of new or gently used winter clothing last year, with a wide range of items accepted.

“We’re looking for pretty much anything that can keep people warm. Coats, socks, gloves, touques, mittens, and pretty much anything that can keep people warm in the winter. If it can keep you warm, pretty much it’ll be accepted.”

People in need who approached volunteers at last year’s event were given warm clothing on the spot, including finding warm socks and shoes for a barefoot man in a wheelchair, according to Wickland.

He said those who received winter clothes were incredibly grateful, especially as mid-Island temperatures drop close to the freezing mark overnight in recent days.

“It really brings all the community together. People seem very far apart sometimes in this divided world, it’s really important for everyone to have that little bit of humanity, to help their fellow citizens who are in need. I think it’s a good opportunity for all the youth to connect to some of these people who are going through a rough time right now.”

The group was also instrumental in the construction of a native plant garden inside Nanaimo’s Beaufort Park in June.

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jordan@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @JordanDHeyNOW