Erin Haluschak
Record staff
Jade Hansen hopes things get heavier this year.
Hansen, a student at Mark R. Isfeld school, has a goal to raise more than 2,700 pounds worth of winter jackets, clothes, sweaters and toques for her annual outer clothing drive to give to those in need in the Comox Valley.
Five years ago Hansen knew she had to do something for those less fortunate following a trip to Vancouver with her family, and seeing “many homeless people who looked cold, and I wanted to help.”
With the help of her family, Hansen collected approximately 2,500 pounds of coats and winter clothing last year during her one-day drive.
This year, the drive is set for Nov. 20 at Remax Ocean Pacific Realty in Courtenay (2230A Cliffe Ave.nue). There will be a hot dog lunch available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
In her first year, she collected 700 pounds worth of clothing.
“There are so many people showing support already,” noted Hansen.
As in past years, staff at Cumberland Regional Laundry have volunteered to launder all of the donated items before they are passed along to the Salvation Army for distribution.
“I really like helping out … the need is still there, and there are so many people who need winter clothes who aren’t necessarily homeless,” Hansen said, and placed a challenge out to minor hockey teams and schools to stuff as many bags full of clothes as possible.
Anyone who has items to donate but cannot make it on Nov. 20 is asked to drop them off at Remax or Comox Chiropractic at 203-1723 Comox Ave. during regular business hours.
