More than 2,300 pairs of socks, 540 pairs of gloves and 1,300 small bottles of shampoo have been collected in readiness for Project Connect Wednesday.
Its just an amazing number, said Peggy Wilmot, co-ordinator for the annual service fair for people who are homeless or living in extreme poverty. The community has really come through.
Project Connect, held at the drop-in centre Our Place on Pandora Avenue, is expected to draw more than 700 people from the street community.
They will be able to get free haircuts, foot care, acupuncture and help with ID replacement, among many other services and information booths.
We have a lovely lady who does hand massages. She sits down and talks gently while she does it and your cares just melt away, Wilmot said.
One of the most popular services is always the veterinarian this year, donors have come up with flea and worm treatments as well as cases of dogfood, Wilmot said.
Elections B.C. officials will also be there to help people register to vote.
One of the most touching donations was from a local high school where students included a note with each of the backpacks, Wilmot said.
I hope you sleep well tonight and I wish you great happiness, says one note, which adds: I have put some dog bones in here and, if you dont have a dog, give it to someone who deserves it.
