Now that we have a decent layer of snow on the ground, it’s clear that winter is really here. The season brings a laundry list of pet peeves—the obstacle course of sidewalks, irregular buses, perilous street conditions—but beyond inconveniences, the real demand levied by winter is to stay warm.

But what about those who don’t have access to appropriate winter clothes?

Ashley Wood is urging Winnipeggers to consider this question, and to “give the gift of warmth.”

Since 2006, Wood and her co-director Andrea Dyck have been putting on an annual event called Clothe the City, which offers free winter clothing as well as a warm meal to those in need.

The event is based on donations and volunteer time, and at the beginning Wood “wanted to test the ‘pay it forward’ theory.”

“There are a lot of charities already that provide clothing for children, which is fantastic, but I wanted to do something for the adults. I was and still am overwhelmed by the generosity of Winnipeggers. All it takes is an idea and people jump on board right away and are eager to help out in anyway that they can.”

Meghan Kinita, a past volunteer, is helping out again this year by collecting food donations and feeding attendees on the day of the event.

“Part of the reason why I volunteer is to stay close to some of the values that I grew up with and how my parents influenced me. [ . . . ] We always made sure there was an extra plate of food for someone and sharing was important! This event encompasses both of those values for me,” says Kinita.

Empathy and understanding how poverty works is also crucial to Wood.

“I really do believe that the ‘system’ that we have is not structured correctly to begin solving the poverty issues that many survive each day within our city. Although I do not have the answers on how these issues can be fixed, it is important to recognize that people do not choose to be in the situation that they are in. On top of political and historical factors, mental health and addictions do play a huge part in the fate of so many lives.”

Wood encourages others to develop their understanding of the poverty experience through the poverty simulation program called Living on the Edge put on by the United Way. She has also seen the connections made possible by the event.

“Our volunteers chat with folks who attend, help them find appropriate clothing and sizes, serve warm meals, and share stories with each other.”

While it won’t provide the solution for every problem, Clothe the City hopes to at least relive a bit of the cold bite of the coming months.

“This is a cold city come winter. Even now it’s getting chilly and I feel better knowing that more people will be feeling a little bit warmer after Dec. 8,” says Kinita.

 

Clothe the City is being held on Sunday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.–3 p.m. at Lighthouse Mission (669 Main Street). You can learn more about them, including how to get involved or donate, at www.facebook.com/clothethecity