Local realtors are again looking to help out the underprivileged in Squamish.
The annual Realtors Care Blanket Drive has returned for the ninth straight year to Squamish and is being put together by Debbie Anderson and Eleanore McKenzie.
The weeklong event runs from Nov. 26 to Dec. 3 and all donations will be sent to the Squamish Helping Hands Society. Anderson said last year saw a slight dip in the number of donations, but she said she hopes to reach the event's goal of 100 bags of donated items.
"The support we've received from this community is excellent," said Anderson, who works at Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty. "The people who get the clothing and blankets are so appreciative and we're happy to help distribute these items to those in need."
Anderson said helpful items to donate include: warm clothing, toiletries, tents and sleeping bags. Either new or gently used items will be accepted.
It may only be the ninth year in Squamish, but it's the 18th year overall for the event, which has helped out more than 185,000 people Whistler to Hope in its history. It was originally inspired by a group of realtors in Vancouver, who back in 1995 donated warm blankets and clothes to Vancouver's homeless in the downtown core.
Locals can donate at any real estate office in Squamish. Anderson said the offices will accept donations for a number of weeks after the drive's official Dec. 3 closing date.
For more information on the drive, visit www.rebgv.org/blanket-drive.
