Backpacks to help homeless

The West Kelowna Shelter Society is filling backpacks with supplies to help homeless people get through the winter.

“Unfortunately, the WKSS just doesn’t have the facilities available to house everyone who needs a warm bed this winter,” the group said in a news release.

“Instead, we’re striving to make life a little easier for those in need by distributing backpacks full of essential items through our outreach programs and our new emergency MATS program.”

The backpacks contain such items as socks, gloves, hats, toiletries, snacks and hand warmers.

In addition, the group will also be distributing Hope Stoves, a paint can turned into a portable, and safe, heater.

Sheldon Vance, general manager of the WKSS, said such a backpack gift helped get him off the streets of Vancouver years ago.

“When I was younger, they gave me hope that things could get better, and I am living proof of the massive difference the can make for anyone living on the street.”

Gorman Brothers Lumber donated $5,000, which allowed more than 50 backpacks to be filled and distributed in the upcoming weeks.

On the web: wkss.org.