Third annual winter coat donation for Vancouver organizations this
winter.
VANCOUVER, Dec. 18 /CNW Telbec/ - For the third year, STORMTECH(R)
Performance Apparel has joined forces with the Union Gospel Mission and the
Progressive Housing Society to assist the Lower Mainland's most needy this
holiday season. This year, STORMTECH will also be visiting Vancouver General
Hospital's Emergency Clothing Program to donate hundreds of new winter coats
and fleece jackets to help people stay warm and dry this winter.
From December 16 - 18, STORMTECH will be visiting Union Gospel charities,
the Progressive Housing Society and Vancouver General Hospital to donate 1,000
winter and fleece jackets in the areas of Vancouver and Burnaby as part of the
company's annual STORMTECH CARES campaign of community support in the areas
where it operates. It seems unimaginable to some that many people have to go
without coats but for a lot of people when it comes to choosing between
feeding their families or having a warm coat - they make the sacrifice. Some
patients come into Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) for treatment wearing the
only clothes they own. The Emergency Clothing Program, managed by Volunteer
Resources at VGH provides patients with clean and warm clothing when they
leave the hospital.
"We sincerely thank STORMTECH for generously donating jackets which will
help ensure patients in need receive warm outerwear in winter as well as
waterproof jackets for spring and fall," said Dianne Denson, Director of
Volunteer Resources for Vancouver General Hospital. "The jackets will be
distributed throughout the hospital by volunteers and staff to help our
patients at a time when they feel most vulnerable," said Denson.
As one of the largest donations in the region, STORMTECH has contributed
more than 6,000 winter and fleece jackets with a retail value of close to
$650,000.00 in only three years to keep the Lower Mainland's most needy warm
and dry. This year, STORMTECH CARES added Toronto's Scott Mission and Covenant
House to their donation list in support of their Distribution Centre in
Brampton, ON.
Homelessness in Vancouver is a harsh reality for many people and is on
the rise. In September of this year, the 2008 Metro Vancouver Homeless Count
was published with disheartening results. The report found a total of 2,660
homeless people with an increase of 22% from the findings in 2005 and a 137%
increase from 2002. As well, findings indicated that homelessness is
increasingly affecting families, working people, the middle-aged and senior
citizens; and that the length of time people remain homeless is increasing.
"Union Gospel Mission is very thankful that for the third year STORMTECH
is stepping forward again to make this a brighter Christmas for the Lower
Mainland's most needy," said Union Gospel Mission President Bill Mollard.
"With the winter season in full force, our shelters are filled to capacity. A
warm, waterproof winter jacket is a lifesaving gift for some of Vancouver's
homeless.
"We are pleased to be able to continue our annual coat donation program
and our hope is to grow it every year and help as many people as we can each
year. It is important to us to assist those in our community who can really
use a jacket to improve their life," said Blake Annable, STORMTECH President
and Founder.
STORMTECH CARES campaign is one of the company's ongoing community
support initiatives, which includes individual employee sponsorship of
children in developing countries through World Vision Canada; STORMTECH
products donated to local charities and events; and athletic sponsorships
through the company's TEAM STORMTECH initiative.
About Union Gospel Mission
--------------------------
Union Gospel Mission has been reaching the hungry, hurting and homeless
for nearly 70 years. Through its 12 locations in Metro Vancouver and the city
of Mission, UGM provides counseling, education, safe housing, and alcohol and
drug recovery to men, women, youth and children struggling with poverty,
homelessness and addiction. The heart of the mission is to demonstrate God's
transforming love, ease the burden of the most vulnerable, rebuild the lives
of the broken and offer dignity to those who feel cast aside. UGM is a proud
member of the Canadian Council of Christian Charities.
About Vancouver General Hospital's Emergency Clothing Program
-------------------------------------------------------------
The Emergency Clothing Program at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) began
ten years ago to provide clothing to patients in need upon leaving. This past
year alone, the program has provided clothing for 400 patients. Patients
requiring shoes and clothes include homeless people, those less fortunate and
patients who came to VGH via ambulance from outside the Lower Mainland or were
transferred from another hospital.
About Progressive Housing Society
---------------------------------
Provides housing and support services for adults with severe and
persistent mental illnesses. People who are self-sufficient in daily living
skills may live in shared residential homes (20 clients) or apartments (100
clients); applicants for the apartment program must be referred by Burnaby
Mental Health Services. The Supported Independent Living Program helps clients
find apartments and provides ongoing support services. The Homeless Outreach
Program provides advocacy support, referrals, and resources such as blankets
and clothing for the homeless, people at risk of becoming homeless, and people
difficult to house. Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.
About STORMTECH
---------------
STORMTECH Performance Apparel has been successfully conquering the
challenges of extreme and unpredictable climates since 1977. Careful thought
and planning goes into designing every product they make. Performance fabrics
and components are combined with high standards of workmanship and corporate
accountability to result in responsibly produced, quality garments.
What began as a small promotional apparel company has grown today into a
globally recognized Canadian brand that is distributed in over 25 countries in
North America, Europe, the South Pacific and Asia. STORMTECH IS headquartered
in British Columbia's Lower Mainland with their Sales Distribution &
Management Centre located in Brampton, ON.
For further information: Media Contacts STORMTECH: Micki Benedetti,
(905) 466-2575, micki@benedetti.ca; Jodi Goulart, (416) 588-0016,
jodigoulart@gmail.com; Media Contact Union Gospel Mission: Keela Keeping,
(604) 215-5445 ext. 378, kkeeping@ugm.ca; Media Contact VGH: Tiffany Akins,
(604) 319-7530, Tiffany.Akins@vch.ca
