November 7, 2013
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
On November 22nd & 23rd, Blanket BC Society will be launching its fifth annual “Drive on the Line” campaign, taking place along the Canada Line. This is a two-day blanket drive where over 100 volunteers* ranging from individuals to families and company teams, will be collecting donations from the public at 8 stations between Waterfront Station to Richmond Brighouse. Donations accepted are: socks, scarves, mittens, toques, and of course - blankets. All donated items will then be divided up and distributed to shelter programs and organizations that work directly with society’s most impoverished individuals and families throughout Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley and this year, Vancouver Island. Last years “Drive” successfully collected over 6200 blankets and over 1,000 articles of clothing. Our goal this year: to collect over 10,000 blankets, as the need is overwhelming this time of year. This winter is predicted to be one of the harshest and coldest in decades. Please help today!

About Blanket BC

“I could use a blanket, to survive the night” is the phrase that started it all. After giving one blanket to a homeless man 8 years ago, Blanket BC has grown from a father/son project to an organization that has handed out over 100,000 blankets to date! Our mission is to provide “warmth from the heart” all year long, by collecting blankets and warm items for shelter programs and families in need.

For more information and interview requests, please do not hesitate to contact the undersigned. Help make a warm difference, volunteer today! *Sign up now at http://www.blanketbc.org/volunteer.html 

Warmest Regards,
Gregory Ould, Executive Director 
Blanket BC Society 
Email: gregory.ould@blanketbc.org Tel. 778-242-9940
Web: www.blanketbc.org

Following the enormous success of our previous campaigns to collect blankets and warm clothing along the Canada Line, we're pleased to announce our FOURTH annual  "Drive on the Line Campaign" for Friday, November 23 and Saturday November 24, 2012 from 7:30am to 6:00pm.  We will be collecting blankets at the following 8 Canada Line Stations:

• Richmond Brighouse
  
• Landsdown
  
• Bridgeport
  
• Oakridge
  
• Broadway,
  
• Yaletown
  
• Vancouver City Centre
  
• Waterfront Station

We will be looking for 144 Volunteers!

Hi All,
I want to give huge props to the amazing students at Albert McMahon Elementary in beautiful Mission, for inviting me to speak about Blanket BC and the importance of volunteering. You kids were so interactive and fun to be around...I just might have to come back! Special thanks to Principal Tucker and Benjamin Ould!

The importance of Volunteering
I have been volunteering for over 20 years now and I have to say, that with the exception of my amazing family, it has been the one positive constant in my life! I have been able to meet so many wonderful, passionate people, earned friendships and secured brilliant memories that I will have for the rest of my life.
Their are so many reasons why one would volunteer, however, I have 8 simple reasons why one should at least give volunteering a try.

1. Meet New People
At Blanket BC I have had the privilege to meet with people from
all walks of life…Meeting new people is important. I don't know about you, but I love making new friends!
I have made lifelong friends through volunteering...I know you will too!
 
2. Get Active!
Volunteering is a great opportunity to get out of the house
where you would normally spend down time at home. When you know you don’t have
much planned, you can volunteer at a place where you know you won’t be wasting
any time! I guarantee you’ll have fun!

3. Support Your Cause
We all feel strongly about certain issues. Volunteering is a
great way to support a cause you are passionate about, and help make a change for the better.
If you wish to volunteer with Blanket BC, please visit our volunteer page www.blanketbc.org/volunteer
 
4. Build a Better Future
Not just for yourself, but for the people you're helping out,
and even for your own children. You wouldn't just be helping a specific
organization, but society in general.

5. Improve your Interpersonal Skills
Volunteering usually entails working with other people, so
you'll have the opportunity to work on your communication and interpersonal
skills, which will be invaluable in life.

6. Self-Esteem
Donating your time will ultimately provide you with more
self-confidence and self-esteem as you build up a sense of fulfillment.  Basically, volunteering is going to make you feel awesome!

7. Help Needed
Without volunteers, most non-profit and charity organizations
would not be able to exist. Give back to your community by making sure that
those in need of help have your support.

8. YOU'LL LOVE IT!
Have a great day and enjoy your volunteer experience!