Last Date Modified Wednesday, December 12, 2018

Chances are high that many of the 1,600 homeless people currently living in Vancouver, 400 in Surrey, and 200 in Abbotsford have received a blanket, coat or multiple changes of clothing supplied through the REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive.

The 19th annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive collection will run November 18 - 25.

Although the annual Blanket Drive assists thousands of underprivileged in our region by equipping dozens of charities and community service organizations, the original goal of direct distribution to those most in need remains at the heart.

“What our Blanket Drive does is provide the first line of defence for our most vulnerable citizens living outside,” said Vancouver REALTOR® and volunteer Louise Boutin. “Many of our recipient charities distribute what we collect right on the streets and regularly see repeat clients coming back for a change of clothes or a sleeping bag to protect them from the rain, cold and concrete.”

Donna Crocker, a volunteer veteran of the Blanket Drive in Delta and coordinator of Friendship Providers in Action adds, “I wish the thousands of individuals, businesses, corporations and REALTORS® who donate every year could see the gratitude we see.

“Smiles, hugs, high-fives and sometimes tears of relief because that clean pair of jeans or even a simple pair of gloves can make the difference between sleeping safely and comfortably or being cold and at risk. Most of all, they feel loved and appreciated.”

The REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive – the largest and longest-running in BC – is now scheduled one week earlier in the year to help as many people as possible in advance of the holidays. This year from November 18 to 25, REALTORS® will collect and deliver enough blankets and warm clothing to 39 charities between Whistler and Hope to help 20,000 people stay warm.  
 
“We’re looking for gently-used blankets, coats, gloves, hats, jeans, and new underwear and socks for both men, women and chlidren,” explained Chilliwack Drive volunteer Kellee Romaine. “Thank you so much for your support.”

Special REALTORS® Care Blanket Drive donation bags are available at any of the 100 plus participating real estate offices acting as drop-off locations. To find an office nearest you, a list of charitable recipients and see videos of the Drive in action:

Blanket Drive on REBGV.org
www.facebook.com/blanketdrive
www.twitter.com/FVREB or www.twitter.com/REBGV (#RCBD)

Donations stay within the communities in which they are donated. Since 1995, the Blanket Drive has supported at least 200,000 people.

For more information:
In Greater Vancouver contact: Fiona Youatt, Tel: 604.730.3068   email: fyouatt@rebgv.org
In Fraser Valley contact: Debbie Jay, Tel: 604.930.7619   email: debbie.jay@fvreb.bc.ca
In Chilliwack & District contact: Joanne Reid, Tel: 1.604.792.0912   email: joanner@telus.net