Erin Katerynych, the executive director of BDFRC, said they initially started this collaboration because they noticed people were not appropriately dressed for winter. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Kenneth Cheung

Sharing warmth

Community agencies partner to bring warmth this winter

Aug 13, 2024 | 4:19 PM

The Battlefords District Food and Resource Centre (BDFRC) and BGC Battlefords (formerly Boys & Girls Clubs of Canada) have partnered for the ‘Shared the Warmth’ project to keep members of the community warm during the approaching winter months.

The Shared the Warmth project, also known as ‘Coats For Kids’, is an initiative that collects used outdoor winter clothing and distributes it to schools or other non-profit organizations. The goal is to ensure that all children and people in need in the community are properly dressed for the winter months.

“Our organizations collect donations together. BDFRC usually distributes them to community members while we stock and supply warm gear to kids and families in need at BGC Battlefords,” said Nicole Combres, the executive director of BGC Battlefords.

According to BDFRC’s records, this project helped over 300 children and adults stay warm last winter.

Erin Katerynych, the executive director of BDFRC, said they initially started this collaboration because they noticed people were not appropriately dressed for winter.

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“We saw a need and decided to help, and so far, we’ve distributed hundreds of mitts, jackets or winter boots every year.”

Inside the storage room for the donated winter clothing. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Katerynych believes the community is responsible for caring for those who cannot do so themselves. She said the most rewarding part of this project is witnessing people’s joy when they receive the donations.

“Because they are unable to keep themselves warm properly and I am able to find a winter jacket that fits them — the look on their faces when we give them something that actually has a functional zipper and can keep them cozy is what keeps me and us going,” said Katerynych.

Nicole Combres, the executive director of BGC Canada poses in front of the wall art in the BGC Canada center on Aug. 13 2024. (Kenneth Cheung/battlefordsNOW Staff)

Combres pointed out that in past winters, kids who went to the BGC centre were not usually in the proper outdoor winter gear. Seeing such circumstances within the community, Combres knows that they are doing it to serve a great cause.

“It’s heartwarming to see their excitement when they have warm hats, mittens, and jackets to play outside in the snow and build snow forts,” said Combres.

People can donate winter clothes and gear for kids, youth, and adults directly to both organizations.

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com