TORONTO, December 2, 2015 — Even as many of us browse flyers and online ads for bargain deals on winter gear or holiday gifts for friends and family, a group of York University students are getting ready to distribute warming kits to total strangers.
On Dec. 5, students who live in York’s Pond Road Residence will make their first tripdowntown to distribute “Keep Toronto Warm” packages to the needy. The packages contain items such as blankets, socks and sweaters.
“We’ve collected winter woolies etc. and many have also donated money to buy these items. We will offer a package to anyone who is in need,” says Stephanie Francis, a residence life coordinator in the Centre for Student Community and Leadership Development within the Division of Students.
A Keep Toronto Warm package will typically include a blanket, a sweater, two pairs of socks and a $5 hot beverage gift card, to help keep a person warm through the winter.
It costs $20 to put together a package, according to the group which started this warming initiative with the support of the university’s Residence Life Program. Those interested in contributing to the cause can make donations directly online or contact the organizers, by visiting keeptorontowarm.com.
The group is also looking for corporate donations to make it a winter-long drive with a greater impact on some of society’s most vulnerable.
WHAT: Keep Toronto Warm packages distribution
WHERE: Downtown Toronto (Yonge and Dundas Square)
WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 5, 2015, 3pm
NOTE: Organizers are available for media interviews on location before and during time of distribution
York University is known for championing new ways of thinking that drive teaching and research excellence. Our 52,000 students receive the education they need to create big ideas that make an impact on the world. Meaningful and sometimes unexpected careers result from cross-discipline programming, innovative course design and diverse experiential learning opportunities. York students and graduates push limits, achieve goals and find solutions to the world’s most pressing social challenges, empowered by a strong community that opens minds. York U is an internationally recognized research university – our 11 faculties and 24 research centres have partnerships with 200+ leading universities worldwide.
Media Contact:
Gloria Suhasini, York University, 416-736-2100, ext. 22094, suhasini@yorku.ca
