This article was previously published on CambridgeToday.
For the past few winters Cambridge realtor Karen Bartlett has been on a mission to make sure no one is left feeling cold.
This year is no different.
On Nov. 17, she'll be running her third annual coat and boot drive at Hespeler Memorial Arena.
Clean, gently used or new coats and boots for men, women and children are being accepted with all items being donated to the Cambridge Shelter Corporation and YW emergency shelter.
With a job that deals directly with the impacts of the cost of living, Bartlett fully understands the struggles many are going through.
"People are struggling to find affordable housing, with rents and basic needs being high, it’s hard to save for the future," she said.
"I love giving back to the community and seeing how many people have come out to support my event over the past few years is amazing."
In 2023, Bartlett collected 23 bags of clothing and three bins of boots and food bank donations. It's a total she wants to surpass this time around.
"I hope others are inspired to help in the community, whether it be volunteering, fundraising or donating," she said.
"It's very rewarding."
Donations can be dropped off in the Optimist Room from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
