Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society kicks off blanket campaign

The Edmonton Emergency Relief Services Society (EERSS) has kicked off this year’s Alberta Blanket in Warmth campaign.

The EERSS has set its goal at gathering at least 8,000 blankets that will be given away free of charge.

“We rely on it for the whole year to give blankets to fire victims, the homeless, seniors and newcomers,” society spokesperson Dalia Abdellatif said.

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According to the EERSS, the number of low-income families, seniors and the working poor in Edmonton is greatly increasing.

After undertaking such a crucial role in the assistance of over 72,000 evacuees from the Fort McMurray wildfire in 2016, the society found its blanket stock had been greatly depleted.

“Comforters, blankets, whatever,” Abdellatif said of the type of blankets they’re looking to collect. “They have to be warm because those blankets will be given to those in need.”

Blanket donations can be dropped off at fire halls, all 10 Edmonton Supercuts locations, the five locations for the Edmonton Mennonite Centre for Newcomers and downtown at the Edmonton

Emergency Relief Services Society at 10255 – 104 St.