(Supplied: Captain Peter Kim)

By Abby Zieverink

Grande Prairie Salvation Army

Local Salvation Army hands out 200 winter kits to those in need

Nov 25, 2021 | 12:04 PM

The Salvation Army handed out 200 winter kits Thursday morning to Grande Prairie’s street-engaged population, in efforts to help people stay warm this winter.

The kits included a variety of items, including warm toques, thermal socks, hot hand warming pads, and hygiene products.

Captain Peter Kim with the Grande Prairie Salvation Army says these kits were handed out at various locations in the Swan City.

“We stopped with our Emergency Food Truck canteen, and I was able to hand it out through the window, and to different places, we saw the homeless around,” he explained.

Kim tells EverythingGP he hopes by handing out kits like these, it will also help keep them safe during the winter.

Meaningful Mementos

Remembering Someone You've Lost at Christmas

Dec 03, 2024

Seasonal Sorrow

How Do You Get Through The Holidays When You're Grieving?

Nov 01, 2024

Upcoming Events at Oliver's

Grief & Loss and Estate Planning Seminars

Oct 02, 2024

The “Hope in the City” winter kits were also handed out as part of National Addictions Awareness Week (NAAW), which runs from November 21-27.

NAAW is aimed to provide opportunities to address harms related to substance use as well as inform the public about prevention, treatment, and recovery supports and services available in the community.

“Hot chocolate, tea, and coffee were handed out as another alternative to drinking for example for those who are experiencing homelessness and may want to use other substances,” Kim added.

Kim says those who received the winter kits Thursday morning were very appreciative of the gifts they received.

“They know the winter is coming and it’s going to get colder, and people were saying ‘I needed this, I really needed this right at this moment.'”

The money raised from the Grande Prairie Salvation Army kettle campaign is used to support the local food bank however, Kim says some of the money raised is also used towards initiatives like this program.

Read More: Grande Prairie Salvation Army to kick off kettle campaign Friday

“But also using the money raised to keep people stay warm, safe, and sober,” he adds.