Amy Pye
Pye Design is organizing their second annual Share the Warmth coat drive as the cold sets in and we move into fall and winter in Nanaimo and the Central Vancouver Island.
“We collected over 90 coats last year,” explained Amy Pye, owner of Pye Design and Marketing. “We are hoping to double the amount this year.”
“The coats are sent to the Salvation Army and included in their hampers that are sent out into the community. Every coat helps!”
Normally, a person’s body temperature should be around 37 degrees; hypothermia can set in when your temperature drops below 35. Those most susceptible to getting hypothermia are children and seniors. The main way to prevent this is to stay insulated from the elements.
According to the Stats Canada 2006 census profile of Nanaimo, 12% of all economic families in the district are low income (spending 70% or more of their household income on necessities). That means the purchase of weather appropriate clothing is seen as a secondary cost. Donating a winter coat that you no longer have use of can seriously benefit a child, senior, or homeless individual within our community.
“Many people don’t have enough warm clothing to stay protected throughout winter,” said Pye. “Holding a coat drive was simply a no-brainer. We all need more closet space and we all have coats or jackets that aren’t being used. To hold onto something you aren’t using when others are going without makes no sense. I was thrilled with the response last year and hope that this year will be even better and bigger!”
Donations of jackets are being accepted at Pye’s downtown office location within business hours, 9-5pm, Monday to Friday. The office is located in the Realty Executives building, 202-503 Comox Road. Local pick up may also be possible to arrange. She plans to collect from Monday, September 21st until Monday, November 30th.