Trico Centre supporting Inn From the Cold to help brighten Christmas for homeless families
As that old Perry Como chestnut tells us, there’s no place like home for the holidays. But homelessness is a harsh reality for a surprising number of Calgarians. And that’s why, as Christmas approaches, Trico Centre is turning its community-support focus to Inn From the Cold.
Established in 1997, Inn From the Cold (innfromthecold.org) is a remarkable organization that finds shelter and resources for homeless families and others in need. Inn From the Cold opened Calgary’s first Emergency Family Shelter in 2008, and also operates Community Inns across the city through a network of interdenominational churches, synagogues, mosques, community associations, and organizations offering shelter and hope to Calgary’s homeless families, on a rotating basis, 365 days a year.
Between now and Wednesday, Dec. 18, Trico Centre will be acting as a collection site for items on Inn From the Cold’s 2013 holiday wish list. Staff at Trico Centre (tricocentre.ca), south Calgary’s recreational hub since 1983, will also be making a cash donation to Inn From the Cold.
Inn From the Cold’s holiday wish list includes various clothing items for children and adults; infant strollers, first aid kits, digital ear thermometers, formula, and cereals; toiletry items for men, women, and children; diapers, diaper cream, and baby wipes; bedding items; kitchenware; bus tickets and batteries; gift cards for supermarkets, clothing and shoe stores; and gift cards/passes for family-friendly activities.
For health and safety reasons, Inn From the Cold asks for new items only, since it is now unable to accept used, out-of-package, or gently used items at its Emergency Family Shelter. Items will be collected by staff at Trico Centre’s Guest Services desk, and delivered to Inn From the Cold prior to Christmas.
