Did you know that on any given night there are approximately 50,000 Canadians who are homeless? This doesn't include those individuals who have crashed on someone's couch, or people who can’t find a bed for the night at a local shelter. On average, every year 350,000 Canadians will experience not having a roof over their heads at some point. Homelessness in Alberta and across the country is rising
at an alarming rate, costing the Canadian economy 7 billion dollars annually- and this does not include smaller community shelters offering support to individuals suffering from domestic violence. For over 20 years, Baby it’s Cold Outside has organized winter clothing drives, collecting donations of winter clothes and toiletries. These donations have been distributed to Alberta's homeless population through established shelters such as the Mustard Seed and Calgary Drop-In Centre. In response to rising homelessness across Alberta, Baby it's Cold Outside has increased efforts to help provide these shelters with supplies that support the growing demand for basic necessities, such as clothing, food, and toiletries. In the longer term, our goal is to offer transitional housing to further support those who are working to rebuild their lives and need a hand up to find their way. We also plan on facilitating life-coaching sessions to assist those struggling with addiction recovery and maintenance, career development, resume building, and domestic violence recovery. If you want to get involved, drop us a line at [email protected] and follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram! Thank you for your kindness.
- Team BCO
A Note from BCO Founder and President:
The story behind the passion…
My brother was homeless for the majority of his adult life until he passed. At the age of 15, he started down a lonely path to which there was a sad end. He came from a happy home with loving parents and siblings. We were a middle-class, average family. Is this an exception to what we think, when we think of the homeless? Maybe, maybe not. I don't believe there is a type—only a stereotype we buy into to make ourselves feel better. Homelessness can affect anyone and everyone at any time. It doesn't discriminate. Life sometimes can take us down less-traveled roads, sometimes for the good lessons and sometimes for the unfortunate ones. I have always held the homeless close to my heart and in my thoughts. I cannot bear to walk by and not acknowledge their plight, and it is my heartfelt belief that I am but one of many individuals willing and able to lend a helping hand to others when they find themselves in need. My dream-wish-desire-longing is that not one soul would ever be without food and shelter, but until that day arrives I will continue my crusade to clothe and aid as many people in need as possible, and I hope that you will find yourself inspired to join us at Baby It’s Cold Outside in this endeavor to make a positive difference as a community by bringing a little bit more warmth to the cold streets.
