Realtors looking to collect clothing for more than 30,000 people

Ladner and Tsawwassen real estate offices will be collecting warm winter clothing for those in need as part of the Realtors Care Blanket Drive.

The 24th annual initiative, the largest and longest running blanket drive in the Lower Mainland, kicks off Nov. 13 across the Lower Mainland.

Between Nov. 13 and 20, real estate offices will collect warm clothing and blankets across the region. The donations are then distributed to partner charities from the same community where the item was donated.

The public can make donations at more than 100 participating real estate offices across the region. In Tsawwassen, donations can be dropped off at ReMax Progroup Realty, 5360-12^th Ave.; Royal LePage Regency Realty, 1333-56^th St.; or Sutton Group-Seafair Realty, 1625-56^th St. In Ladner, Sutton Group-Seafair Realty, 100-5000 Bridge St., is taking part.

The drive seeks to collect enough clothing to help more than 30,000 people stay warm this winter.

“A recent homeless count in Metro Vancouver indicates there are more people living in shelters or on the streets than ever before,” said Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver president Phil Moore. “Our partner charities need all the support they can get this winter, so please donate what you can. Every little donation helps.”

Since beginning in 1994, the program has helped provide warmth to more than 345,000 Lower Mainland residents.

Items needed include blankets or sleeping bags, warm clothing, coats, hats, gloves, scarves, new socks and underwear.

For more information, visit www.blanketdrive.ca.