TIMMINS - Seniors are getting help staying warm this winter.
Today, the United Way helped 15 seniors shop for coats, boots, and blankets at the Porcupine Mall Giant Tiger location as part of the second annual Keep Seniors Warm event.
Rachelle Del Guidice took part and looks forward to the new boots she picked out during her shopping trip with volunteer Erin Thomson.
“Mine were wearing out,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the volunteers here.”
Last year, eight seniors took part in the event, going through the aisles of Giant Tiger picking out items to help through the winter months. Each senior gets $175 to spend.
“We had referrals come into us for seniors who can use a little assistance getting some nice, warm, cozy winter gear,” said United Way volunteer development lead Marnie Lapierre. “So anything from hats, mitts, scarves, coats, boots, long underwear, blankets, things like that, to make things a little easier and take the burden off.”
Keeping Seniors Warm is designed to support residents aged 55 and older in vulnerable living situations within the Timmins, Sudbury, North Bay, or Espanola areas.
Participants in the shopping spree are referred to the United Way through other organizations or from friends and family members who are concerned about their loved ones.
“We don’t go into big, in-depth things about everything because we want to make sure we can get everyone nice and cozy for the winter,” said Lapierre.
Some passers-by at the Porcupine Mall also dropped off donations that will go toward the program next year. Volunteers will be there to help all the seniors get what they need.
“We are here until the last person finishes their shopping,” said Lapierre.
Donations for next year’s event can be made online at the United Way’s website.
