The Martlet

UVic’s Young Liberals club is increasing its community connection with a clothing drive for Victoria’s homeless.

The group, which lobbies the Liberal Party of Canada to adopt policies that benefit young people and their communities, will collect clothing donations in the Student Union Building between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at a table set up next week, Nov. 25 to 27.

“Liberals, federally, have always had strong policies to help the homeless,” said club president Tim Chipperfield. “But this is more about just doing something good for the holiday season than being political.”

The club’s Director of Operations, Justin Carr, says it’s an important time to be thinking of those less fortunate.

“The cold weather is coming and donations everywhere are down,” Carr said.

The group hopes students will bring their new or gently-used winter clothing, including waterproof adult jackets, hats and gloves.

They will also accept socks, towels, bedding and hygiene products such as shampoo, razors, toothbrushes and deodorant.

All donations go to the Victoria Cool Aid Society, and then to the people who need them.

“A lot of charities sell donations to other businesses to distribute, but with Cool Aid they guarantee it goes straight to people in Victoria,” said Carr. “So students can know that their donations actually make a real difference.”

The group understands cash-strapped young people can’t always make monetary donations, but hopes everybody can find some things around their home that they can donate to the drive.