After the holiday season, some donations begin to slow down. The Lloydminster Men’s Shelter says they had a great season of giving recently. Executive Director of the shelter, Valerie Lazicki, says one of the biggest needs the shelter has this time of year is clothes and winter gear.
“At this time of year, temperatures can drop really fast. A lot of our guys don’t have good winter footwear, for example. Those are things that are always in high demand here,” says Lazicki. She adds that clothing items like dry socks are also a high-need item for many of the shelter’s visitors.
“If you can imagine when people’s feet get wet when they’re outside in the winter and they have no place to dry their shoes and socks off. Socks are almost a disposable item for many of the people who stay here or people who live outside for a variety of reasons. They do come here to access clothing and food, and we go through a lot of socks for sure.”
Lazicki adds that the residents at the men’s shelter are excited to receive new underwear and socks. Next month at the seventh annual Coldest Night of the Year, she hopes that people come out to show support for the shelter. The event is February 23 at Grace United Church, and those wanting to participate can register on their website or at 4 p.m. the day of the walk.