With winter just around the corner, it’s a race against the clock for many Canadian households to access warm clothing.
Mary-Ellen Coghlan, co-manager at the SIRCH and Thrift Warehouse in Bancroft, says the organization has seen demand for warm clothing and food grow substantially over the last few years, especially post-Covid.
Since the organization opened its doors in downtown Bancroft, their client base has grown rapidly.
Coghlan says SIRCH’s doors are open for anyone who would like to come in and ask questions.
“There’s a lot of things that people don’t realize we actually do. Ask what we do, ask us if you need help. Ask us how we can help you.”
Share the Warmth making a difference
SIRCH is hosting their eleventh annual Share the Warmth event in downtown Bancroft.
Last year, the more than 700 warm clothing items were given away. Most donations began coming in last month.
Coghlan says each year more people are coming in from the cold to pick up warm clothing supplies for winter.
“We found that it grew, like we were getting 100 to 150 people every time.”
While need has grown, so has the generosity of donors, said Coghlan.
“People donate their used clothing like their coats, their sweaters, their hats, mitts boots, and we process it all.”
“We welcome everyone in need who’s in need of getting some warm clothes just to keep our neighbours warm for winter.”
The initiative began more than ten years ago when it became evident that there was a need.
Coghlan explained that the organization also runs a meal program through the local food bank and local children’s services.
“We do about 300 meals a month.”
It was through their meal program they saw there was a need for warm clothing.
“People (who came in) needed to be warm, and they just didn’t have the funds or the means to do it,” explained Coghlan, once a single mom struggling to pay bills.
“My child never did without, but I did. I didn’t get myself winter boots, I didn’t get myself appropriate winter wear, because I put it somewhere else.”
The organization first began providing services out of Halliburton before expanding to Bancroft.
“The need is everywhere,” reflected Coghlan. Everyone’s so appreciative, and it takes away so much worry of ‘what am I going to do? How can I provide this for my family?’
Share the Warmth is taking place at the Thrift Warehouse on Hastings St. North beside McDonald’s, on Saturday, between 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
