Siloam Mission calls for boot donations for city's homeless

After a heavy first snowfall, staff at Siloam Mission in Winnipeg are asking for boot donations for the city's homeless.

Trudging through snow can be a tough slog at the best of times, but Judy Richichi, director of major gifts and corporate relations at the mission, said it's even harder for homeless people who don't have proper winter gear.

Even with a winter coat, life on the streets means it's hard to maintain it, she said.

"As they get wet they don't necessarily have washing machines or homes to go home to to dry them out and to get them dry again, Richichi said. "They rely on us to resupply them with new stock."

Richichi said she believes donations of warm gear slowed down because of a warm November.

With heavy, wet snow now on the ground and the temperature set to drop, Richichi said homeless people in Winnipeg need winter equipment.

"As soon as their clothes and socks get wet, they're at risk of frostbite," she said.

"We tend to like the nice weather when it's slushy 'cause it's not too cold, but for our folks it's much more detrimental 'cause their wet clothes now freeze."

Donations can be dropped off at Siloam Mission at 300 Princess St.​