When Cambridge realtor Karen Bartlett ran a drive to collect coats and boots for those in need last year, she was amazed by the response of the community.
In just a few hours she stuffed two SUVs full of clothing she then donated to the Cambridge Shelter Corporation and YW Emergency Shelter.
Bartlett was moved by the entire experience and is now determined to exceed the total raised from 2022.
"Last year I was so overwhelmed with the response from the community, that it was something I wanted to do again," Bartlett said.
"The community was very supportive and happy to donate to such great organizations."
With homelessness continuing to plague the city and the region, it's certainly a worthy cause.
The Cambridge Shelter Corp offers a total of 84 beds for individuals experiencing homelessness, including 20 supportive housing bachelor units.
The YW Emergency Shelter, meanwhile, has 66 emergency beds along with supportive and affordable housing serving Kitchener and Waterloo.
This year, Bartlett is also raising items and money for the Cambridge Food Bank, which has served over 31,000 people already this year, or 1 in 18 in the city and North Dumfries.
Through her job as a realtor, Bartlett has been able to meet many people in the community and feels compelled to give back. That feeling has only been exacerbated recently by the rising cost of living and struggles residents have faced.
"These past few years have been a struggle for many people and if I’m able to give back by organizing events like these, it makes me so happy," Bartlett said.
"Being a realtor I meet so many wonderful people and one of the reasons I got into this business was to get involved with my community. I love giving back."
The appreciation shown from those who the drive supports makes the work to put it on all worthwhile, Bartlett said. She also wants people to understand it doesn't take much to make a difference in someone's life and no act of service is too small.
"They've been very grateful to the community for their generosity," she said.
"People can have an impact on someone just by making a donation, whether it’s a material item, monetary or their time."
Residents can drop off gently used coats and boots at the Hespeler Memorial Arena located at 640 Ellis Rd on Nov. 12 between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
