CBC launches winter clothing drive for Edmonton's homeless

Living on the streets of Edmonton during the biggest deep freeze of the year is a desperate time for Donnie Crier.

He finds it difficult to ever warm up.

"In minus 30 weather your toes crumple up, your hands crumple up, you can barely walk," he said.

Crier, originally from Maskwacis just south of Edmonton, has been wearing an Oilers stocking as a hat to try to keep warm.

He's one of hundreds with nowhere to go and without adequate clothing for this kind of bitter cold.

That's why CBC Edmonton is spearheadinga clothing drive startingtoday to helpinner city agencies assist those in need to dress for the cold weather.

Starting today through Dec. 13, CBC is asking for donations of the following.

• New socks
• New mitts/gloves
• New hats/toques

The agencies say there's a critical needfor warm winter clothing.

Cases of frostbite and hypothermia common

Already this year, the biting cold has left amark on some of the city's homeless who have shown up to the Boyle McCauley Health Centre with hypothermia.

"The thing we see a little more commonly is frostbite involving fingers and toes," said Dr Mat Rose, who explained he's not aware of anyone losing digits yet, though that does happen duringmost Edmonton winters.

"Having that kind of impairment from frostbite to the feet or to the hands can add yet another insult to an already difficult and challenging life," saidRose.

All of the city's agencies are scrambling to make sure people are safe, knowing that clothing supplies are going to be essential in the next few weeks.

'It's incredibly urgent'

The long range forecast showsno signs of a warming up, with temperatures expected to be well below the freezing mark untilChristmas.

"We haven't received a lot of donations as of yet because the weather has been a little bit kinder to us so far this year," said Shannon Hebden, manager of the drop-in centre at Boyle Street Community Services. "But now with the temperatures pretty much plummeting so quickly, we are in great need now."

Both the Hope Mission and the Bissell Centre have a similar need during thesevere cold spell.

"It's incredibly urgent. Hope Mission has been seeing countless of our guests who come to us who just aren't prepared for this weather," said spokesperson Robin Padanyi, adding the agency has also seen cases of frostbite and hypothermia.

So far,Crier's avoided any big problems. But hesaid it's still a miserable feeling having to deal with severe cold and extreme windchills.

"You can barely walk, but you will do it because your heart is stronger than your feet," he said.

How to deliver clothing donations:

• New socks
• New gloves/mitts
• New toques/hats

If you can make a donation of new socks, gloves or hats please come to CBC Edmonton from Dec. 8 through Dec. 13.

CBC is located at Edmonton City Centre Mall,100th Street and 102ndAvenue.

The donations will be shared among the agencies whichwork with Edmonton's homeless population.