Last Date Modified Wednesday, December 12, 2018

VANCOUVER, BC – It’s that time of year again – time to ‘winter’ clean your closets for items to keep someone warm and dry. The 18th annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive will run from November 26 to December 3 across the Lower Mainland.

This annual eight-day event collects enough gently used blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing and jackets; in addition to new socks and underwear to help protect about 20,000 vulnerable people in our region from the cold, wet winter. Since 1995, the Blanket Drive has supported at least 185,000 people.

It is the region's largest and longest-running charitable blanket and warm clothing collection.

Of the 35 charities in the region that benefit from the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive, the Richmond Salvation Army is amongst those that receive a significant volume. For years, it has received enough donations to help provide warm clothing during the winter for an increasing number of clients.

“Without the donations from the Blanket Drive, we would not be able to provide essential clothing and blankets to many families in our community,” said Major Mary Smith, pastor. “Unfortunately, the demand becomes greater each year, especially where children are concerned.”

The Lookout Emergency Aid Society in North Vancouver also relies on donations from the Blanket Drive.

“It’s important for us to have a surplus of clothing and blankets to hand out, which we get from the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive,” said Karen Young, Director of Development. “These and other donations offer hope to the people we help, since it shows that someone cares about them.”

Donations stay within the communities in which they are donated, or if the volumes are too large, go to charities in greatest need in neighbouring communities.

To see a list of drop-off locations, charitable recipients and items most needed, go to:
Blanket Drive on REBGV.org
www.facebook.com/blanketdrive
www.twitter.com/REBGV or www.twitter.com/FVREB (#RCBD)

In Greater Vancouver contact: Fiona Youatt, Tel: 604.730.3068   email: fyouatt@rebgv.org
In Fraser Valley contact: Dana Bidnall, Tel: 604.930.7630   email: dana.bidnall@fvreb.bc.ca
In Chilliwack & District contact: Joanne Reid, Tel: 1.604.792.0912   email: joanner@telus.net