The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 34 in Orillia donated winter hats, boots, coats, quilts, and other clothing items to the Lighthouse on Wednesday.
The items were first donated to the Orillia legion from the Royal Canadian Legion Ontario Command in Aurora.
“This is to help take vets off the streets and to not leave them behind,” explained Orillia legion president Rick Purcell.
The legion started working with the Lighthouse a year ago on initiatives that could benefit local veterans.
“We have veterans who occasionally make use of the Lighthouse,” said Orillia legion poppy committee member Kate Palmer. “We are dedicated to looking after veterans and this is one way to reach out to the ones who are homeless or in need.”
The clothing donated Wednesday should assist 50 people at the Lighthouse.
Lighthouse executive director Linda Goodall says the donation is “huge,” especially as winter nears.
“All of these clothing items are absolutely essential,” she said.
With the cold temperatures vulnerable people in Orillia face each year, the legion’s donation could be lifesaving.
“That’s the whole reason the legion is doing this,” Purcell says. “We want to help with getting people off the streets.”
Those who want to donate clothing to the legion, or make a monetary donation to its poppy campaign, can call 705-325-8442 for more information.
