Local businesses have donated more than 1,500 items to help Calgary's homeless

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Inn From the Cold took more than 1,500 items to Calgary families in need Tuesday thanks to the efforts of three city businesses.

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Toothpaste, toothbrushes, hairbrushes, shampoo and deodorant were among the personal items collected and donated by Barclay Street Real Estate, Parker PR and Dimic Law.

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The donation will help children and families, especially those affected by Calgary's ongoing affordability crisis, said Ron Smith, the shelter's resource development manager.

“Such donations immediately help reduce the financial burden on families,” he said.

Inn From the Cold helps families experiencing housing crisis through its family shelter, supportive housing, prevention and diversion programs. Every year, the agency helps about 4,000 family members get housing.

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Most of the items purchased at Inn From the Cold are new, and coats and boots are one of the biggest needs during the winter months. Cash donations or gift cards to various grocery or clothing stores are also helpful, Smith said.

“Part of our process is to preserve the dignity of families, to make sure that they also have a choice in what they buy,” she said.

One of the biggest challenges at Inn From the Cold, Smith said, is making sure they get items that families can use.

“Again, some people have incredibly generous hearts, but the things they want to give may not match what our family needs,” she said.

“This time of year, hygiene products are something that people often forget about,” Smith said.

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John Grimshaw of Barclay Street Real Estate in Calgary says he is proud to work with Inn From the Cold. Grimshaw says this is the start of a larger project where they will choose a different local charity to work with each quarter.

“These initiatives and these returns are really what we plan to pursue going forward,” Grimshaw said.

The company depends on the participation of its employees and customers.

Steve Dimick of Dimick Law said his firm is a big supporter of Inn From the Cold programs.

“I've seen a lot of existing clients, potential clients, who are having problems. The economy has hit them hard and every bit helps,” Dimick said.

More than 60 percent of Inn From the Cold's operating budget is based on donations.

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