Keeping kids warm through our Northwestern Ontario winters.
That’s what the Winter Warmth project strives to do.
Gerry Powell, a retired teacher in Dryden has been organizing the initiative for the past 4 years.
“It’s a program to provide mitts primary to school aged children in our catchment area. It’s been highly successful because of the wonderful people in our community.”
Some of the schools Powell has delivered mitts to include Open Roads, New Prospect, Migisi School, Wabigoon, St. Joseph’s and more.
Powell says she also donates to Ambulance Orange.
“I had a contact there and they said we really could use pre-mature baby hats, so I’m asking for those too but I’m also asking for different size toques.”
The Winter Warmth Project was previously done by the Red Cross and Powell has since taken on the initiative.
Last year, over 400 pairs of mitts were distributed across the Dryden area and Powell looks to top that number.
“This year I had some left over mitts so I’ve already handed out about 123 pairs last week, but only hit three schools and ran out of mitts. I am collecting throughout the year from about now (November) through April.”
Powell adds the community has been tremendously supportive and very generous with donations, confident it will nothing short of the same this year.
Handmade or new pairs of mitts, toques and other winter items can be dropped off at the Dryden Public Library or Sew Many Things.
