Winter Clothing Drive raises money to deliver advanced first aid and safety programs

The Canadian Ski Patrol is hosting an eco-friendly fundraiser that supports both our local and global community. What makes this event unique is that, unlike traditional fundraising, the Winter Clothing Drive fundraiser does not involve asking anyone for money! The public is simply asked to donate things they no longer want or need. It’s a great opportunity to de-clutter closets and cupboards, as well as an environmentally conscious way to dispose of unwanted goods, diverting textile waste and household goods from our nation’s landfills.

Ever wonder what happens to recycled textiles? Some are resold at charitable second-hand clothing stores, or sent to developing countries. Others are processed back into fibres and turned into paper, yarn, insulation, carpet padding, and other items. The rest are turned into wiping cloths, which are used in a variety of industries and businesses.

Currently the average person discards 70 lbs of clothing a year into landfills, and 95% of that clothing can be recycled. By donating to the Canadian Ski Patrol Winter Clothing Drive you can help it raise money to support its delivery of advanced first aid, safety and rescue services by 4,500 CSP volunteers across Canada. Items will be sent to a company that provides a monetary donation for every pound of goods collected and the goal is to collect more than 40,000 lbs of used clothing and household items.

Donations collected during this fundraiser will be gratefully received by the Salvation Army Thrift Store. The Salvation Army Thrift Store supports the good works of the Salvation Army by generating funds through donations and positively influencing the communities in which they operate. The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring your gently used clothing and household goods are reused and recycled. Proceeds generated from donations are used to support the Salvation Army’s programs, services, and emergency relief efforts that nurture the capabilities, skills, and strengths of neighbours and friends. Donations are always needed and nothing is ever wasted. Last year the Salvation Army Thrift Store, with help from their guests and donors, diverted close to 65.5 million pounds of gently used clothing and household goods from local landfills.

The Canadian Ski Patrol is looking for the following items in bags: gently used clothing, shoes, purses and belts, as well as bed and bath linens. We are particularly interested in gently used winter clothing. We’re also collecting the following items in boxes: dishes, pots, pans, vases, decorative knick-knacks, jewelry, and glassware, as well as school and office supplies.

Donations will be gratefully accepted from noon Thursday, October 15 until Sunday, October 18 at 4 p.m. ,and should be dropped off at the front lobby of the International Centre Hall 5, 6900 Airport Road, Mississauga, Ontario L4V 1E8 . This is a guilt-free fundraiser that everyone can feel good about supporting; knowing that your used goods and textiles are getting a second life, either through recycling, or reuse.

For a complete list of accepted donations, and recycling facts, visit www.usedclothingdrive.com.

For more information on the Canadian Ski Patrol, visit www.skipatrol.ca.