Peterborough County-City Paramedics (PCCP) and Peterborough County have wrapped up their “Blankets for People” initiative with a warm response from the Peterborough community.
The event organizers, PCCP and the county, collected blankets and sleeping bags, which were donated by residents at a variety of drop-off locations this winter. Community members made a total of more than 1,500 donations to support people who are experiencing homelessness locally.
Craig Jones, PCPP deputy chief, community programs and emergency management, thanked residents for their “unwavering” support of the Blankets for People 2024 campaign.
“In the harsh cold of winter, experiencing homelessness becomes an even more formidable challenge,” Jones said in a media release.
“Your contributions go beyond blankets; they provide solace, hope, and a tangible reminder that our community stands together in solidarity. Your generosity blankets those in need with more than just warmth — it offers kindness, understanding, and a shared commitment to making a difference.”
PCCP and the county acknowledged the support of the City of Peterborough, One City Peterborough, and Windsor’s Drycleaning Centre. Windsor’s served as a drop-off location and its staff ensured all the blankets and sleeping bags were thoroughly cleaned and ready for distribution.
The blankets were then delivered to the Trinity Community Centre, located at 360 Reid St. in Peterborough, and circulated to those in need.
Blankets for People is an annual campaign. This year saw the addition of various “pop-up” locations throughout the county through which blankets could be donated. Through these pop-up locations, residents were encouraged to fill an ambulance with blanket donations.
That component of the campaign was very successful, Tracie Bertrand, manager of communications for Peterborough County, told kawarthaNOW.
“The enthusiastic response from township staff across all eight townships was truly heartening,” Bertrand said. “Collaborating with our townships, we decided to host these events on weekends, one in each township, at community centres, coinciding with public skates.”
“The support from the community was overwhelming, with over 700 blankets and sleeping bags collected, comprising almost half of the total donations.”
At several locations, the ambulance was filled to capacity, and councillors and mayors were on site to highlight the community-wide effort, Bertrand added.
“This initiative not only underscored the generosity of Peterborough County residents but also emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of those experiencing cold weather challenges throughout the region,” she said.
“We extend our gratitude to our township partners and their communities for their invaluable contributions. By facilitating a more accessible means of donating and receiving warmth, we aspire to have made a meaningful impact this year.”
Residents who have winter items they wish to donate can take their donations to Peterborough Action for Tiny Homes (PATH), located at 385 Lansdowne St., on Wednesdays between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., or by appointment by emailing pathrfh@gmail.com. The items will contribute to PATH’s new “Ready for Home” pilot program.
