A Moncton church that has stepped up to help the vulnerable members of the community stay out of the frigid weather is looking for donations.
Overflow at city shelters prompted the St. George’s Anglican Church to open its doors as an emergency warming centre for homeless people looking to get out of the cold.
“The last couple of nights there have been thirty-plus [peope] that have slept inside – probably [Monday] night there were roughly 40 people who would’ve been here at one point or another,” said Rev. Chris VanBuskirk, the priest and rector of St. George’s Anglican Church.
VanBuskirk said it was through discussions with Trevor Goodwin of YMCA ReConnect that they determined other shelters were full.
Since then, they have received support from other churches, social agencies and individuals to expand a shower and laundry program to a life-saving warming centre.
“From the beginning, other churches have been involved supplying things that are needed,” said VanBuskirk.
“Now people from those churches have been coming to support the warming shelter. And donations of blankets and hand warmers and that kind of stuff has been coming in.”
The church is turning to the public in hopes that donations could help bolster supplies. Items in need include gloves, boots, winter coats, coffee and old gym or yoga mats.
VanBuskirk said they are in need of blankets, though with limited space it’s best to call ahead before dropping them off. He added some people have been kind enough to drop off baked goods, which they use for a snack in the evening.
Donations can be delivered to the church located at 51 Church Street, and their phone number is 506-855-5209.
VanBuskirk emphasized what they’re doing is not “special,” nor is it better than the services being provided at local shelters – they’re just filling a need in the community.
