Realtors prepare for annual blanket drive

Realtors in Vancouver’s Lower Mainland will be launching their coordinated effort to help people in need next week.

The Realtors Care Blanket Drive is the largest of its kind in the Lower Mainland and, now in its 24th year, aims to collect enough to help 30,000 people keep warm this winter.

“A recent homeless count in Metro Vancouver indicates there are more people living in shelters or on the streets than ever before,” Phil Moore, Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president said.

Between November 13 and 20, Realtor volunteers will collect warm clothing and blankets across the region. The donations are then distributed to partner charities from the same community where the item was donated.

More than 100 real estate offices will be utilized as collection points for clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags.

“Anything you can give that’s in good shape – an unused blanket, spare coat, even a pair of mittens – will directly help a person in need in your area,” John Barbisan, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board president said. “Please look through your closets and reach out to a participating Realtor or real estate office. They can help get your donation into the hands of someone who could really use it.”