2019 Games Mitts for Many project kicks off stoking conversation about shelter

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“At times like these when it’s really cold, it will help the most vulnerable. There are between 125 and 150 that have need every day (in Red Deer),” said Scott Tilbury, Fund Development Manager with The Mustard Seed Red Deer.

“These cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite, so it’s so important. Individuals that wear mitts, they may need to replace them every other day or throughout the week because they do get wet, and other times they misplace them.”

The donation box was overflowing once the crowd Saturday morning had dispersed. The final tally could potentially help out hundreds, if not thousands of people over the course of several months.

“We are overjoyed and very excited for the generosity and the compassion of the city of Red Deer, central Alberta, and athletes across the country,” Tilbury added. “It’s an excellent program leaving a legacy for the Canada Winter Games.”

Mayor Tara Veer also applauded the initiative, and given its nature, she was asked about the ongoing plea to the province for 24/7 emergency shelter space in Red Deer.

“The government has made themselves available to us and we are in discussions,” Veer divulged. “I think there is a growing awareness of how acute the social infrastructure need is because we’re seeing the manifestation and consequence of that challenge throughout the community. I am cautiously optimistic, however it’s not definitive at this time.”

Veer went on to say that because Red Deer has grown so quickly in such a short period of time, many social infrastructure needs have reared their heads at virtually the same time.

“It is unfortunate that we haven’t made as much progress as we’ve wanted to on the shelter front. In the absence of a 24/7 emergency shelter, what we have is many local organizations who are doing great work, but also a series of band-aid responses that no one finds acceptable,” the mayor said. “My preference would’ve been that we had a decision on this well over a year ago, but we haven’t, so we need to continue to put our best effort forward.”

Minister of Culture and Tourism Ricardo Miranda was also present for the event alongside Premier Rachel Notley. Miranda admitted the ongoing conversation about shelter is one that needs to happen.

“We are very much interested in supporting this community. We’re going to continue doing that as we go forward,” Miranda stated, noting the need for hospital expansion, as well as the announced justice centre, and completed Gaetz/QEII Interchange.

“Frankly, it’s something that’s not exclusive to this region. It’s a province-wide issue, and that’s why it’s such an important thing today to see so many folks recognize that.”

The Mitts for Many program is sponsored by Nova Chemicals.