TORONTO, Jan. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Islamic Relief Canada, the country's largest Muslim organization, has launched a national appeal to help the homeless during the winter season.
As temperatures drop in parts of the country over the weekend, the international charity will be partnering up with local organizations in 15 cities to launch an emergency response to deliver winter kits and hot meals to those living on the streets and in shelters.
Winter jackets, boots, hoodies, thermal underwear, scarves, gloves and feminine hygiene products are just some of the items in the winter kit that volunteers and staff will be distributing to the homeless on the streets and in shelters this weekend. Hot meals will also be served at some shelters.
This is the second year the charity is carrying out winter kits distributions. Over 2,500 winter kits are expected to be distributed over the weekend. Over 100 volunteers (mainly from the Muslim community) are expected to take part in the distributions.
Reyhana Patel, Head of Public Relations, says:
"The drastic low temperatures are life-threatening to those living on the streets. The supplies we are distributing in the winter kits will help reduce the impact these conditions can have on individuals. It is our duty as a community to ensure we are doing everything we can to help our neighbours across the country."
In Toronto, volunteers and staff will serve hot meals at the Christian Resource Centre in Regent Park.
Across the GTA, distributions will take place at shelters in Scarborough, Brampton, Oshawa, and Hamilton. Distributions will also take place in Guelph, London, Kitchener, and Windsor.
In Ottawa, Islamic Relief has teamed up with The Cornerstone Women's Shelter to distribute winter kits and essential supplies to those in the shelter.
In Montreal, staff and volunteers will be serving hot meals with the Old Brewery Mission and in Quebec City, hot meals will be served at the Fondation de Lauberivière.
In Saskatoon, volunteers will be distributing winter kits at the Salvation Army Crossroads shelter and the The Lighthouse Supported Living Centre.
In Edmonton, Islamic Relief will be distributing winter kits at Boyle Street Community Services and The Mustard Seed.
SOURCE Islamic Relief Canada
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