For Edmonton’s unhoused, winter is an especially difficult time. That’s why Ritchie Community League initiated an annual winter clothing drive a few years ago.

The need is even greater this year, due to the ongoing pandemic. These days, 180 people become homeless each month in Edmonton and there are about 2,000 people experiencing chronic homelessness. 600 people sleep outside on any given night.

If you are able, consider making a donation of warm clothing for these, our vulnerable neighbours. All donations will go to Bissell Centre or The Mustard Seed.

Drop off your donation at Ritchie Hall on Saturday, Dec. 12, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

OR arrange for a league volunteer to collect it from your house Saturday, Dec. 12 between 1 and 3 p.m. (sign up below).

Here’s what’s needed

• warm toques

• mittens / ski gloves

• scarves

• jackets

• socks

• long johns

• underwear

• bras

• new men’s clothing (size 34 or smaller)

• new women’s clothing

• sweats / hoodies (unisex)

• boots / shoes

To make handling easier for our volunteers, we ask that you please sort and bag all items:

1. BAG 1: socks, underwear, hats, scarves, mittens

2. BAG 2: jackets and outerwear

3. BAG 3: clothing

Thank you for your compassion.

Extras for Ritchie Shelter

The Mustard Seed is also collecting non-clothing donations to equip its temporary shelter in Ritchie. This is not a bare minimum, overnight shelter but a 24/7 supportive housing environment that helps individuals function within our society, providing shower and laundry facilities, meals and staff who assist residents find bridge housing and work.

It further provides isolation beds for clients who are required by Alberta Health Services to quarantine due to COVID-19 exposure.