Grande Prairie woman providing warmth for homeless

Nov 18, 2017 | 5:00 AM

A Grande Prairie woman is doing her best to keep the people experiencing homelessness in the community warm.

Jordana Ashelle is collecting blankets in the back of her vehicle to deliver to those that are without one.

“I woke up in the middle of the night. I was sweating, warm, and complaining about being hot. It was the first night of cold [this year] and I felt bad. There are people on streets that are freezing. I thought to myself, why are you complaining about being in a warm bed and how can I help those people?”

Ashelle has been able to collect 50 gently used blankets since starting.

“I spoke to the Rotary House and they did have a shortage of blankets…I don’t really know how much more they need. I am just taking it as people message me. I will go and pick them up or meet them wherever they need to be met.”

After first posting on various Grande Prairie Facebook pages on November 12, many people reached out to offer their retired comforters and blankets. In under two hours, the woman was able to collect multiple blankets.

Ashelle is hoping others can make a trip to donate their blankets themselves or contact her on Facebook to connect people with warmth.

With files from Sheena Roszell

by Justine Kelsie