CTV News Montreal

Updated: Mon Jan. 18 2010 11:31:52 AM

ctvmontreal.ca

Of all the logistical challenges in helping Haiti, this might be the most surprising one: the need for winter clothes.

Evacuees are arriving back in Canada, and they're not dressed for the cold climate.

A Montreal community organization is now putting out an urgent appeal for warm clothing.

The Sun Youth Organization is clothing people at Montreal's airport, and says it expects to run out of coats and boots within 10 days.

The organization is asking companies to donate anything they can spare for adults and children.

Many people have been arriving on military flights wearing shorts and sandals.

In many cases, even Canadians accustomed to winter are lacking warm clothes at the airport, because they were forced to flee Haiti in a hurry.

"We're asking for winter coats and boots," said Tommy Kulczyk, director of emergency services for Sun Youth.

"They're expecting about 6,000 people here and they need things right away when they land for the first hours."

Please Add Comments

Greg
Wow, thank god i donated to the Red Cross and not Sun Youth.

TERRI
http://sunyouthorg.com/Haiti%202010.pdf

Montreal, January 13, 2010. Following many phone calls received from donors seeking information, Sun Youth wishes to inform the public that it is not collecting funds, food or any other material goods to assist the people of Haiti hit yesterday by a powerful earthquake. People wishing to contribute to the relief efforts are referred by Sun Youth to the Canadian Red-Cross, Quebec division (1-800-418-1111 or redcross . CA).

Patrick
i know it is not the timing to discuss this, but would canadian government consider to review the citizenship laws? is it another evacuation like in Lebanon?people went back to their home country and tax payer pay for their trip back to canada, in the case of any conflict in their home country.

gigi
really a shame,i have two children i will take whatever to give them warmth and comfort

k
OMG! Are they serious? I was just thinking that I would go through what I have and donate until I read your comment. As long as the clothes are clean and in good condition, Sun Youth should be more that happy to accept them. I completely agree with you 'C Belson'. Shame on Sun Youth.

AC In Kirkland
@ C Belson.
I have to admit that I'm shocked!
Thanks for your coment. I was about to go get 2 winter snowsuits that I had been keeping for my sister-in-law. I thought it would be better to give them to people right now. Such a shame. Don't get me wrong, Sun Youth offers a valuable service, but this is ridiculous.

Tamara
I had a couple of used winter clothes also (in very good shape only they don't fit anymore!).

I was planning in donating them here, but I'll just go somewhere else

*and yes, I am not wealthy either!*

x
I am surprised to hear that they will not accept used clothing for this purpose - I can single-handedly outfit someone with a good coat, boots, and mittens. Ridiculous.

poupa6
Unbelievable - I had just read this article and was going to call myself as I have extra clothing as well. I can not believe that Sun Youth won't take used goods. I guarantee that the people that have landed in Montreal with only the clothes on their backs would appreciate anything to get them through the next hours/days. I wasn't planning on giving dirty, torn articles, I have slightly used articles that are clean but just don't fit. I agree with you that the next time Sun Youth puts out an appeal, I will not forget their response this time. If anyone else knows where we can go to donate these articles of clothing, please post. Failing that, I will go to the airport myself and hand out what I have.

Christie
To C. Belson - Angels of Mercy (featured a few weeks ago on CTV The Power of One) will gladly take the warm clothes you are so kindly willing to donate. Since seeing the report on CTV I have taken them a trunkload and they were very appreciative.

Gabrielle from Montreal
Does anybody know where we can donate clothes to them? I know some people from my workplace who would be ready to donate coats and boots and any other winter accessories such as hats, gloves, socks, etc..

C Belson Pointe-Claire
My wife and I watched the noon news and want to help the refugees from
Haiti. We have more winter clothes than we need and would like to donate them for their use. I called Sun Youth to find out where to take them and was told that they do not want used clothing for the refugees, only new goods from manufacturers are acceptable. It seems that they are being overly zealous in trying to give the impression that we are an extremely affluent city and that help from the common individual is not required. Quality used goods are only good for resale in their thrift shops and are not good enough to GIVE to people who have nothing. I will definitely remember this the next time Sun Youth issues an appeal for anything. SHAME SHAME SHAME.