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The Bissell Centre is host to the 4th annual #DropYourGonch campaign, which encourages the public to donate new underwear for men and women who are homeless in Edmonton.
The campaign runs from today, July 10 to Saturday, July 15.
Over the last three years, more than 9,000 pairs of underwear have been donated in the inner city. This year, the goal is to collect 3,000 pairs of underwear to meet the need through to the fall.
“Underwear donations would have to double to meet the current need for people on the streets,” said Devin Komarniski, manager of Marketing and Communications at Bissell Centre. “One out of every two people is turned away without a fresh pair of underwear. Underwear is the least donated of clothing items and we are critically low where we can’t fill the need at this moment”, he adds.
The campaign promotes health and hygiene, while boosting self-esteem and confidence, which are crucial for people who are transitioning out of homelessness.
“People living on the streets may go months without a new pair of underwear, which creates discomfort and a lack of dignity as they struggle to get off the streets,” says Komarniski.
People can find more information about drop-off locations, how to donate online, and to learn more about the campaign by visiting http://bissellcentre.org/dropyourgonch.