The 16th annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive collected 5,186 bags of clothing, coats and blankets for dozens of charities across the Lower Mainland – its most overwhelming response to date. Support for the drive ranges from individuals to corporations and retailers, all partnering with local Realtors to round up quality items.

In Coquitlam, West49 donated all the jackets (nearly 150) received from its trade-in program. In Surrey, Terasen Gas employees held their own mini-campaign, collecting 69 bags of donations, and the company also donated money. For the third year in a row, one of Vancouver’s largest clothing wholesalers, FX Fashion Exchange, donated dozens of boxes and bags of brand new men’s and women’s clothing and coats.

“One of our largest charity recipients in the Fraser Valley told us that the donations were so generous this year that they’ll have enough warm clothing to distribute to people who need it until next spring,” said Deanna Horn, president of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. 

Since its inception in 1994, the Blanket Drive has collected more than 27,000 bags of blankets, coats, winter clothing and other items. Donations are distributed for free and stay within the communities in which they are donated, or if the volumes are too large, are shared with the nearest community in greatest need. 

For more information, visit www.blanketdrive.ca.