Blanket BC Society's biggest annual blanket drive, which takes place at Canada Line stations in Richmond and Vancouver, is looking for help more than ever this year.
Greg Ould, Richmond resident and co-founder of Blanket BC Society is calling for volunteers to help out at the 14th annual "Drive on the Line" event on Nov. 15 and 16.
Every year, Blanket BC Society collects funds and blankets to help those experiencing homelessness and poverty stay warm during the winter months.
Volunteers, also known as "blanketeers," will help accept monetary and blanket donations as well as other items such as toques, gloves, socks and scarves.
The station volunteers will be at Brighouse, Lansdowne, Bridgeport, Marine Drive, Oakridge/41st, Broadway City Hall, Yaletown-Roundhouse, Vancouver City Centre and Waterfront stations.
Many community members, city councillors and even high school students have volunteered and received their volunteer hours in the past.
Ould told the Richmond News they are in desperate need of locker space and facilities to hold all the blanket and item donations while they distribute them to those in need.
"These resources are vital to sustaining our mission of providing blankets and warm clothing to individuals and families in need," said Ould.
More than 745,000 blankets have been donated to shelter programs since Blanket BC Society was established in 2005.
"Our reach has extended globally as well, with more than 20,000 blankets shipped to support international humanitarian efforts."
Due to the society's expansion, it is also looking for experienced board members to join its team.
The current team of members, Ould said, has done an "amazing job" and they are looking for more experienced members to further their global reach.
"We need the help of those who are more experienced so that we can better grow the organization to help more people."
For more information and to sign up to volunteer, visit the Blanket BC Society website or email [email protected]
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