Group helping kids in need get ready for winter’s cold

By Alejandra Pulido-Guzman - Lethbridge Herald on September 18, 2024.

Submitted photo Suketu Shah, executive director of Every Voice Matters Society, speaks to reporters alongside police chief Shahin Mehdizadeh and members of the society's board of directors, about their "Let's beat the cold together" campaign, on Monday at the Lethbridge police station.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDapulido@lethbridgeherald.com

A newly formed non-for-profit organization called Every Voice Matters Society has launched a project to help children in need get ready to fight the colder temperatures that will be arriving soon.

Suketu Shah, executive director of the society told the Herald over a phone interview on Tuesday that they are hoping to receive help from the community to help children from kindergarten to Grade 12 be able to stay warm this upcoming winter through their campaign “Let’s beat the cold together.”

“We’re trying to collect winter accessories like winter jackets, winter boots, toques and gloves for kids from K to 12, but will also receive donations for adults,” said Shah.

He said that one in five children in the city are living in poverty and their families are unable to afford winter gear for them.

“When kids don’t wear winter gear, they get sick, they can’t concentrate in their studies, so we are trying to avoid that. As a group we have been doing it in the past but now as a registered not-for-profit we hope more people can help,” said Shah.

They launched their campaign with the help of Lethbridge Police Services and Shah said LPS has agreed to be a collection point for the campaign.

“People can stop by the police station and drop off donations of winter gear, that can be brand new or used that is in good condition,” said Shah.

He said they hope those who are in need reach out to them or through their school as the society has connected with both the Lethbridge School Division and the Holy Spirit Catholic School Division to be able to help the students who are in need.

“Right now we have two locations, Lethbridge Kia and the police station. We are looking for two more drop off locations, one in the north side and another one in the west side for people to drop off donations,” said Shah.

He said they are also in the process of getting a website up and running but for now they have set up an email account where people can either donate or ask for donations.

“People who want to request winter gear can email us at everyvoicemattersyql@yahoo.com as well as those who would like to donate monetary funds,” said Shah.

He said their hope is that if every family that can afford it comes together and each donates one jacket or one pair of boots, or a pair of gloves, or a toque, they will be able to help hundreds of kids.

Distribution will take place shortly after Halloween, with the help of both school divisions.

“Both of the school divisions are going to send out emails and messages to parents about this project and the school divisions already have a list of kids who are in need as well, because last year they supply winter gear to 200 kids,” said Shah.

He said that even though their focus is on Lethbridge’s children, they are willing to help other communities in the surrounding area if they need help.