Winter can be a wonderful time of the year, especially for children with all that snow to play in.
But without proper winter wear, it can be a struggle for kids and adults alike.
This is where Share the Warmth can help. Available through The Community Exchange in Altona, the program ensures that everyone in the community can stay warm during the coldest months.
Margarita (who declined to give her last name) is coordinating the program.
“We moved here from Toronto two years ago. It was a big change to come to a small town, but we’ve met some great people here. And when I stumbled upon this program, I was so excited to take it on.”
Through a partnership with Regional Connections, Share the Warmth also assists newcomers to find winter clothes for their whole family.
“Anyone can reach out to us via email and make an appointment. We bring families in, and try to provide a dignified, shopping experience for them, and help prepare them for the winter months,” Margarita said. “Many of them have never experienced winter before, so it’s a real learning curve.
“We also work with the school board, and I’ve had some great conversations with local principals. If a child or family is identified as having a need, they reach out to us and we put a little care package together for them and drop it off at the school.”
In keeping with the idea of a dignified experience, The Community Exchange has renovated a large room upstairs to create a salon environment.
“We had a couple come in for winter wear and as the wife tried things on, her husband was cheering her on. You could see her confidence build and it was such a beautiful, one-on-one personal shopping experience for her. She was also willing for me to be part of it, helping her choose a style and colour,” Margarita recalled.
After seeing the confidence radiating from this lady when they left, Margarita had a conversation with executive director Paul Peters about how to create a space that would provide that personal experience for every community member in need.
“So we started the renovations, and Red River Glass donated a large mirror, placed right by the door, so you have that confidence building moment. Altona Farm Service and Ruff Mutts have made some monetary donations, as well, and Co-op Hardware donated a gift card for paint. We’re so grateful to everyone who supported us.”
Margarita wants to encourage people to donate their gently used winter wear to Share the Warmth.
“Volunteers are also willing to pick up any boxes or bags of donations from your home.”
Donating through estates can also be a deeply giving experience.
“We recently had the family of a local matriarch who had passed donate six of her jackets and two of her sweaters. It was an emotional thing for them to do to bring them here. We had a single mom come through, referred through Genesis House, who found a jacket in her favourite colour that happened to belong to that matriarch. For the family who donated it, it helped them in their journey for closure, and it turns out that particular coat meant a lot to Grandma, and now it’s helping someone in a really tough situation. I’d like to encourage other families to do the same.”
So far this fall, before even the first snow has hit the ground, the program has already helped 58 community members.
“We’re anticipating that will only increase as the weather gets colder,” Margarita said. “So we’re looking for donations for everything, from men’s, women’s and children’s jackets, ski pants, toques, neck warmers, mittens, gloves and boots. And spring gear, such as splash pants, rain jackets and rubber boots are also welcome.”
Monetary donations will also help them purchase winter gear when specific sizes are not available.
Helping people feel pampered and cared for is the goal.
“It’s a good reminder that you matter, and it’s important to feel good in your clothes,” Margarita said. “Times are hard for everyone these days. Winter clothes are expensive. The need has spread. We want to help people feel pride in what they’re wearing. We are getting the word out that this is a very safe space, in a safe building, where you can feel comfortable to come and be given a choice. And in giving, you’re also helping someone feel warm and good about themselves.”
Donations can be made at The Community Exchange, 116 Main St., Altona, weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact Margarita at 204-304-6338, or sharethewarmthinfo@gmail.com.
