By Brittney Matejka

Coats and clothes for those in need in Medicine Hat

Nov 18, 2017 | 4:01 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB. – The temperatures have dropped below freezing in Medicine Hat and many people in our community do not have the proper clothing to keep them warm during Canadian winters.

The Temple Baptist Church held a free clothing give away to help those in need. Organizer, Karel Mason, said they had over 200 people come through the doors to pick up clothing for themselves and their families.

“We have been putting on this clothing give away for a few years. We try to do it twice a year, in the spring and fall; fulfilling hopefully quite a few peoples needs this year of winter clothing and any necessities they could use,” she explained.

Mason’s daughter Erin, spent the day helping with the event and said she never misses the chance to help with a clothing give away.

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“I just really love seeing everyone come out so happy. They come in looking down and they leave with the brightest expressions,” she explained.

The event has been running for 5 years and Mason said as long as there is a need in the community, they will continue to help.

“People are just so grateful, they come and thank-you and give you hugs, you learn about the people and hear their stories,” she said.

Organizer Ida Hawkins has heard many stories from members of the community who reach out to the clothing drive in a time of need.

“This morning started out with a young woman crying, saying she had never been in this position where she had needs like this. I said to her,  most of us have been in exactly this position as you are now and it’s our privilege to give back,” she explained.

Hawkins said the events goal was to help anyone who needed it.

“We all need to come along side each other and help in whatever wasy we can, there is very much a sense of community here, it’s great,” she said.

The Temple Baptist Church holds a free clothing giveaway each spring and fall to anyone looking to dress themselves and their families.