Several local businesses hosting clothes, food drive for overnight shelter

By John Watson Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Strathmore Dodge, Royal LePage, Rocking Horse Industries, and the Co-operators have partnered to host a food and clothing drive to support the Strathmore Overnight Shelter.

Shawn Kisling, general manager for Strathmore Dodge, explained it is a practice he used to do prior to living in Strathmore, and aims to jumpstart the idea in town.

“Before I lived in Strathmore, I used to live in the Okanogan and I started a local clothing drive. It started really small, but within seven years, I went from getting one U-Haul box, to having two U-Haul trucks full of clothing,” he said. “What I would do is I would go out every Christmas Eve and I would hand out to the homeless or those who are less fortunate in Kelowna. I know it has been a really tough year for a lot of people and I see it on a daily basis. People will come in looking for vehicles, and one of the big things right now is just the affordability of things.”

Speaking with Natasha Fyfe, with the Strathmore Wheatland Chamber of Commerce, Kisling was hoping to get connected with other businesses who would be open to also engaging with his idea.

This led him to get connected with Royal LePage, Rocking Horse Industries, and the Co-operators, which now all host donation boxes at their respective business locations in Strathmore. 

“We have boxes at all (the) locations; we are collecting any kind of clothing and it does not have to be new, it can be gently used, and non-perishable food items,” said Kisling.

The drive started Nov. 27, and within the first 48 hours, Kisling said over 30 winter coats had been donated at the Dodge location alone.

He also challenged any business in Strathmore and Wheatland County to put a box out to collect clothing and food donations for the overnight shelter.

Donations will be accepted until Dec. 23, at which point all donations will be taken to the overnight shelter.

“It is all just a tremendous help. I would love to be able to fill at least two or three of my Ram trucks full of clothing and the donations,” said Kisling. “It is not just clothing and food. Another huge thing is hygiene products – soap or deodorant or toothbrushes, all those things.”

He also directed any who are curious about items which the overnight shelter may need, there is a posted list on their website, as well as more information about the operations of the overnight shelter.