CALGARY -- The extreme cold temperatures of late have presented challenges for Calgarians with roofs above their heads, but imagine having to live outside on the streets without warm clothing.

The inhospitable conditions could prove deadly for those improperly equipped to face the elements, and is why shelters and non-profit organizations are counting on donations for the city's most vulnerable. 

With - 40 wind chills and COVID-19-related safety restrictions in pace, it can be a challenge for multiple people to gather and drop off warm clothing in person, but the Calgary Drop-In Centre has found a new way to reach out. 

The organization has taken to Amazon and created an online wish list where Calgarians can purchase essential items through the online retailer and have them shipped directly to the shelter’s donation centre. 

Items on the list include warm gloves, coats, boots, snow pants and sleeping bags. 

A list of other high demand items, available at calgarydropin.ca/give, include:

Winter Clothing:

  • Sweatpants (all genders/sizes)
  • Snow pants (all genders/sizes)
  • Men’s pants
  • Women’s shirts/sweaters
  • Winter boots (all genders/sizes)
  • New or gently used winter gloves
  • New or gently used winter coats (Large and small are most needed, but all sizes welcome)

Critical Needs:

  • Hand/foot warmers
  • Blankets
  • Sleeping bags
  • Furniture
  • New underwear (all genders/sizes)
  • Razors
  • Tylenol/Advil
  • Throat lozenges
  • Lysol wipes
  • New or gently used towels
  • Backpacks
  • Steel toe boots

"We really have to make sure all the community is taken care of and this is really a community effort," communications coordinator Nathan Ross told CTV News. 

The good news is the centre doesn't look to be in danger of reaching capacity. 

"During the cold snap, our numbers have been a little bit higher than we've seen traditionally in 2021, but there's a lot of systems in place so we don't hit that capacity," Ross said. "We are able to convert administrative space into more shelter space (and) we do have more shelter spaces."

In 2020, the Drop-In Centre averaged 762 people each day and night.

This year, due to COVID-19, the main building and a satellite shelter have a combined capacity of roughly 516 beds and this week, those buildings are supporting an average of 417 people. 

Ross said he's confident there’s room for anyone who needs help. 

"If it comes to the worst, there are emergency contingencies in place with the City of Calgary so that we will never be at capacity for anyone who's looking for that shelter from the cold."

Calgarians are asked to refrain from dropping off monetary or clothing donations at the main shelter due to COVID-19 restrictions, and are encouraged to mail or deliver items to the donation centre at 3640 11A Street N.E. 

Other shelters, including Inn From the Cold, are also accepting warm clothing but are in critical need of the following items:

  • Hand sanitizer
  • Disinfectant wipes
  • Disposable plates, cups, and cutlery
  • Bottle water 

Project Warmth Donation locations 

The Project Warmth Society of Alberta is a registered charitable association formed to assist the homeless and the underprivileged. 

It provides blankets, gloves, sleeping bags, scarves, parkas, and other items of warm clothing before distributing them to those in need.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, clothing may only be dropped off at one of the following four Calgary Fire Stations: 

  • South Calgary Fire Station 5: 3129 14 Street S.W.
  • Forest Heights Fire Station 12: 123 44 Street S.E.
  • Midnapore Fire Station 26: 450 Midpark Way S.E.
  • Royal Vista Fire Station 34: 16 Royal Vista Way N.W.

Bagged clothing donations should be left in the dedicated yellow bin in the parking area.