Warmland House is reaching out to the public for support.
Warmland, located on Lewis Street and run by the Cowichan Valley branch of the Canadian Mental Health Association, is a three-story residential facility with 30 shelter beds, 24 transitional apartments, a common-room, kitchen, dining room and offices.
A statement from Warmland said its needs are great at this time and help is required.
“If you have recently done or are planning some spring cleaning, please keep in mind that we are presently seeking donations of a number items for shelter guests and for our outreach team who support those living outdoors,” Warmland said.
The items include smaller tents, sleeping bags, inflatable sleep mats, tarps/twine, hand/foot warmers, headlamp, batteries, paracord, hygiene wipes, mini first-aid kits, bandaids, umbrellas, bottled water, backpacks, reusable water bottles, socks, new men’s and women’s underwear, men’s and women’s shorts, men’s shoes, hats, shampoo, tampons/pads, razors, body wash/soap, nail clippers, toothpaste, toothbrushes and floss, deodorant, chapstick, non-perishable snacks, sunscreen, and freezies/popsicles.
In addition to these items, the shelter itself is in need of a working lawn mower for the garden as the current one is on its last legs, as well as plates, bowls, mugs, glasses and cutlery for the kitchen and a bike rack for the shelter courtyard.
"If your organization or community group is interested in coordinating a donation collection on our behalf, we would be extremely grateful and ask that you reach out to us for help at annemarie.thornton@cmha.bc.ca," Warmland said.
"Financial donations are always welcome and receipts available for donations over $20."
