A group of Red Deer agencies that work together for the betterment of the city are in the middle of collecting items to help those experiencing homelessness, by creating COVID Care Bags.

The Red Deer System Navigator Interagency Collaborative is working together to put these bags together and hand them out to those in need.

Part of that group is the John Howard Society of Red Deer which will be collecting the majority of these items.

Client Intake and Liaison Caseworker Cassandra Curtis says they hope to make between one and two hundred bags for those experiencing homelessness. 

“Essential items, and things like coupons, that sort of thing, for those that are experiencing homelessness, it makes them feel like they are valued and important in society, and also so that they basically have those items to count on during times when many agencies will shutter their doors during the holiday season.”

She says their COVID Care Bags are filled with useful items for those experiencing homelessness.

“Many don’t have a place to put things or carry things, or even something as simple as being able to write down phone numbers or appointment times, it’s a big struggle for those that are experiencing homelessness. Another thing that could be included on there is watches.”

Curtis says they will be collecting items until this Friday, November 27th, 2020.

How to give

For more information on how you can donate to the COVID care kits, you can click here to go to the John Howard Society’s website.

Or you can contact Cassandra Curtis at the John Howard Society of Red Deer during normal business hours (8:30-4:30 Mon - Thurs; 8:30 - 4 Friday).  

Please make cheques payable to the John Howard Society of Red Deer. Cash donations of $50 or greater will be issued a charitable receipt.

The items that the collaborative is seeking (in-kind or cash donations are accepted, cash donations of $25 or more can be issued a tax receipt if contact details are provided) are listed on the working google document below:

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1HMxEk5G3XgpxlgxKTbZ6dFsVIBExq9N8eaOYN2acCes/edit?usp=sharing

If you would like to receive a charitable receipt, please ensure that your contact details are provided to Cassandra Curtis at the John Howard Society of Red Deer.

Please feel free to contact the John Howard Society at 403.343.1770 to make arrangements to drop off any in-kind, or cash donations.