Letters from you. We are humbled by your generous words!

A Coquitlam Family in Need...

This family of a single dad and an eleven year old son arrived in Canada in early 2013 as refugees from Iran. They were settled in the Cottonwood area of Coquitlam, where most needy families reside. The father was diagnosed with “heart disease” and even hospitalized for a while right after arriving in Canada. He needs to be under close monitoring and is on maintenance medication now. The father’s health problem keeps him away from finding a job so the family lives on an $850 monthly cheque from the social assistance office by which they barely survive. The 11 year old son, who is visually impaired, is in grade five and is doing well in school. Since their budget is so limited, the settlement service made and arrangement at school to provide him with lunch and waive some school fees.

On October 30, 2014, someone broke into their tiny apartment and took away all of their belongings. They were left with no blankets, or sheets, winter coats, shirts, pants or even shoes. As soon as they informed the “Settlement Service in School”, “SWIS”, where they attend, the search for help started. Blanket BC was among the first organizations “SWIS” made contact with on Friday, October 31st.

Blanket BC replied positively right away, as a generous load of blankets, sheets, bed spreads and sleeping bags were brought to the “SWIS” team in school district #43 in Coquitlam. That same afternoon, the “SWIS” team delivered the donated items to the family’s home. Appreciation could be seen on both the father and son’s faces, and the father got tears in his eyes. He said he never expected such immediate and generous support.

Blanket BC made the family’s heart full of warmth and hope for the future. THANK YOU!

Soheila Soudy
SWIS- SD 43
Coquitlam
We receive many great letters, but nothing compares to this one from an 11 year old named Ethan.

"My name is Ethan I'm 11 years old and live in Victoria. My mom and me want to start a blanket drive in Victoria. I'm going to start at my school Cedar Hill Middle School. My step dad's company Advantage Heating Ltd. will offer $50.00 to the student that brings the most blankets. We will also talk to our church and The Seed here in Victoria. We were wondering if you have any idea's or any words of wisdom to help us?
Thank-you!"
Ethan
UPDATE: Ethan did such an amazing presentation to his Principal, that Ethan's school ended up doing a blanket drive in January and collected nearly 100 blankets. In March 2014, Ethan was awarded the Blanket BC Community Service Award and was presented the award with The City of Victoria Mayor, the Chief of Police, several MLA's and other dignitaries on hand. Great job Ethan!
Hi there, my name is Stephanie M. I'm 26, unemployed, but trying to do some schooling, and I have a son who is just about 2 (years old). 
I heard you on the CBC about Blanket BC, and checked out your website as soon as I got home. I saw there wasn't a Kelowna location, and was just wondering if there's something I can do from here to help? Please let me know!
Thank you,
Stephanie M.
UPDATE: Blanket BC will be contacting the City of Kelowna to work towards a large scale blanket drive in the very near future.
Thanks Stephanie for getting the ball rolling!
Dear Greg and Blanket BC,

Please accept our sincere thanks for your generosity! 

The month of December is our busiest time of year with young people flooding through our doors to escape the cold wet weather and to attend celebrations like our drop-in Christmas Party that we hold each year. This is always a huge success with usually 200 or more young people coming to enjoy Christmas dinner with us. Each leaves with not only a new backpack filled with items to make their lives more comfortable and a full stomach. They also leave knowing they are loved, accepted and have a place to grow and change.
Your blankets will be a part of their gifts this year and will help keep them warm this winter.
We are only able to be here each and every day because of caring people like you; you are truly helping us to change young lives for the better. 
We appreciate your support and friendship, especially at this time of the year when our youth are in need of extra love and kindness.

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and yours!

Kindest Regards, 
All of us at Covenant House Vancouver
_"I just came across your website and I want to thank you for organizing something so amazing.  My heart goes out to all those in need, whatever their stories are… bottom line, they are on the street and freezing! I think of all the times that I have complained about being cold, it’s nothing compared to some people that do not have a home to go into to get warm and stay warm… I am going to send out an email to a few of my friends at my company and try and get them to join in and donate. Thank you, thank you… thank you."

Adena

November 26, 2010. My Birthday.

"It was quite winter cold and clowdy morning when I started my first voluntary services at Blanket BC with founder Mr. Gregory Ould. It was a very touching moment when a special woman approached me if she can donate her hat to the people who needed the most. How powerful feeling to say of the word "Giving"...!

I was amazed by peoples reactions and pleased what we were doing on that day. They even said thank you guys for making our city warm. For me it was my best birthday ever! Thank you Blanket BC and staff."
 
Best Wishes,

Tina Namocot