Cold can be life or death

Growing up in rural Alberta and working as a nurse in hospitals has taught me to have spare warm clothes and survival gear in my car. Frostbite is not just painful; frozen limbs are often seen in emergency rooms and hypothermia can kill.

Driving home from work last week I saw two people walking along Calgary Trail who were not dressed for the -16 weather. I looped around and found a place to stop. I needed to put my spare blanket, coat and gloves on them as they were too cold to do it themselves. They’d walked from Whyte Avenue and were near the Greyhound bus station. The young man had given his jacket to his mother and was wearing only a hoodie sweatshirt.

I learned the mother’s warm clothes had been stolen and they only had enough money for a bus home. They’d tried to get a ride to the bus station from a passing police car but apparently the police refused. I wondered why they had not received a ride, as it can be frightening to help strangers when you’re alone.

I also wondered how many of the cars that drove past had warm clothing in them to share with someone less fortunate or to use if they broke down. I’ve replaced my spare winter clothes for less than $20 — they don’t need to be fashionable. I hope the two people got home OK and that drivers will think about helping others and protecting themselves in this cold weather.

Donna Wilson, Edmonton