Special hoodies offer hope

As it dropped down to 40 below with the wind chill recently, there was a plan put in place to make it a tiny bit better for some of those living on the streets of Prince George.

Adam Prytula of Adamant Prints has designed a rays of hope logo that will be on each of 100 hoodies that will be handed out by the Spare A Pair group that asks residents to donate cold weather gear they distribute to those in need.

The goal is to raise enough money so 100 hoodies can be given out this winter.

With a $25 donation, people can support the Gift of Warmth effort that sees not only the rays of hope hoodie, but a toque and a canvas bag going to those who need it the most.

So far, the effort has raised $575 and the final goal is $2,500 to cover the cost of the hoodies, toques and canvas bags that are distributed in a bundle.

The message of hope is an important one to send out with the hoodies, Prytula said.

"I want to attach meaning to the hoodies and hope is something I've been working on a lot myself lately," he said. "It's really a glass half full versus a glass half empty approach to life and when we approach life with a glass half full attitude and you look at the future and see that it can be brighter and it can be better then that gives us the energy to push forward and it helps see us through the tough times in front of us."

Prytula said when we're in the opposite of hope - despair - it seems like those tough times are never ending.

The Spare a Pair initiative will be in the streets giving out the hoodies, toques and canvas bags, along with other donations they have received from the community including gloves, hats, scarves and blankets.

To donate to the Gift of Warmth fundraiser visit their Facebook page.