Hundreds of warm clothing items going to Chilliwack's neediest

People help unload 10 bags of winter clothing at Ruth and Naomi's on Tuesday morning. The Chilliwack BIA's Turn Down the Heat campaign, from Feb. 2-9, brought in 335 articles of clothing including sweaters, jackets, scarves, toques, mitts and blankets for the local mission. A total of 20 B.C. BIAs took part in the campaign, which brought in more than 5,000 articles of clothing province-wide.

JENNA HAUCK/ PROGRESS

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Talk about getting the warm and fuzzies.

Thirteen downtown business collected more than 330 warm clothing items recently for Chilliwack's neediest.

Twenty BIAs including Chilliwack's participated in the first 'Turn Down The Heat Week' which ran February 2-9, as a partnership between FortisBC and Business Improvement Areas of British Columbia (BIABC).

“Turn Down The Heat was an exemplary way of bringing Chilliwack residents and the downtown business owners together for a common cause," said Chilliwack BIA Executive Director Kathy Funk.

Participants wore extra sweaters and were encouraged to reduce energy use in their homes and workplaces by turning down the thermostat a couple of degrees.

When BIA officials spoke to Ruth & Naomi's Ted Stoker about Turn Down the Heat, the response was yes, they could use all of these items — especially this time of the year.

“Participating in the inaugural Turn Down The Heat Week campaign provided a unique opportunity to promote social responsibility to the staff and members at Prospera Credit Union,” said Chilliwack BIA Director Louise Logan, who is also Branch Manager at Prospera. “In fact, two of our members knitted sweaters and scarves to donate to the cause,” Logan added.

All of the hats, sweaters and gloves collected will be distributed to those in need at Ruth & Naomi’s Mission.

“Our organization and guests are grateful to the business owners and customers within the Downtown BIA for their continued support,” Stoker said.

To see the results of the provincial Turn Down The Heat Week go to the BIABC Columbia website at www.bia.bc.ca.

Presentation of the 332 sweaters and other warm clothing items at Ruth & Naomi’s Mission is set for Tuesday, February 19 at 10 a.m.

Related story: Turning down the heat for energy conservation