Photo courtesy Dignity Drive Facebook page

By Jeff Henson

Community

Dignity Drive back for the month of October

Oct 3, 2022 | 8:06 AM

The month of October marks the return of the bi-annual Dignity Drive.

Presented by the Rotary clubs in Grande Prairie; the event takes place every spring and fall and has evolved since its launch in 2014.

Committee member Heather Jones says the campaign sees the collection of new, unused socks and underwear – which are then given to homeless and street-involved people.

“Access to clean underwear and socks is essential for one’s comfort, health and hygiene, and wearing clean underwear and socks also contributes significantly to one’s sense of value and dignity and confidence. It is one of the most needed items, yet it is the least donated item.”

Jones says throughout October you can donate the items at one of several spots throughout the city.

“You can drop off at Keddie’s, Costco, Edward’s Factory Outlet, either Co-op (food stores), Centre 2000, and Bonnett’s Energy Centre. They will have bins and bags and everything like that which you can donate to.”

The Dignity Drive committee is also joining forces with the Grande Prairie Storm on October 28 for their second annual “Tighty Whiteys” toss.

Fans are encouraged to bring packaged socks and underwear to the Storm game that night and throw them onto the ice when the Storm score their first goal.

The donated items will be turned over to those in need through several agencies; such as Wapiti House, Grande Prairie Friendship Centre, Northreach, St Lawrence Centre, and the Canadian Mental Health Association.

Jones is hopeful Grande Prairie and area residents will step up and help once again, much like they have done in the past.

“This started back in 2014 with just Rotarians just going club to club and putting it in their businesses. Now we have five different drop off locations of businesses involved.”

“It keeps getting bigger and better every season and every year and we hope every year that it just continues that way.”

People have until the end of October to donate to the Dignity Drive in Grande Prairie at any of the locations mentioned by Jones.