People passing by Rotary Park over the past two days may have seen an odd sight: a lineup of scarves, toques and mittens pinned to the fence at the foot of the 100 Stairs.
The items are free for the taking, part of a community outreach project started by local resident Shelley Andres.
Over a year ago, Andres read about an initiative called Scarves in the Port City, based in Wilmington, North Carolina. It sees volunteers collect and distribute scarves to the homeless in that city during inclement weather.
“I thought it was a wonderful idea and someone should do it here,” Andres recalls.
She attended a leadership summit at the Flin Flon Alliance Church last October, and was inspired to start a local initiative herself.
“I realized it just takes one person,” she says with a smile.
Andres arranged for drop-off points: the lobby of Norman Community Services, Flin Flon Liquor Mart and St. Peter and St. James Anglican church. Soon, a collection of donated items piled up.
While making requests for donations, Andres learned about a similar project launched in The Pas, Winnipeg and in communities all over North America, called Chase the Chill.
Through this initiative, individuals distribute scarves in public places.
“Those in need –
regardless of income and without any qualifiers – can help themselves,” reads a description on the pilot project’s website.
Andres followed a similar format for the Flin Flon initiative.
On Wednesday, Dec. 16, Andres and her friend Carrie Hume headed out with approximately 50 pieces of donated winter-wear. They pinned up scarves, mitts and toques in high-traffic areas.
Each item has a small tag attached, which reads: “If you are stuck out in the cold, please take this to keep warm! If you don’t need me, leave me for someone that does.”
Target spots for the winter wear include École McIsaac School, Hapnot Collegiate, the railing outside Scotiabank on Main Street, and the fence at the foot of the 100 Stairs on Third Avenue.
After dropping off scarves on Main Street, Andres was thrilled to note that a few had already been snapped up while she was getting a coffee.
“I thought, ‘Oh look it – it is a good thing!’”
Andres says that people are welcome to contribute more donated items, either by taking them to the drop-off points or adding to the collections found around the city.
