Harsh winter weather is particularly difficult for homeless people, the working poor and single parents who often cannot afford the basics. Warm coats, socks and blankets gathered in the annual REALTORS Care® Blanket Drive add to their comfort and even save lives.
This charitable project relies on REALTORS® across the Lower Mainland, who donate and collect items for homeless shelters and local charities. One of the dedicated, long-term volunteers is Baljit Singh Sandhu.
Baljit has served as an area coordinator for the Blanket Drive since 2004. In addition to gathering contributions from four realty offices, he sorts and delivers items to the Surrey Memorial Hospital and the Surrey Urban Mission.
This year, the team at Sutton Group – West Coast Realty in Surrey collected 30 bags of gently-used clothing and raised $2,090 in cash, which was used to purchase 55 new jackets and 25 new blankets (with thanks to the Punjab Cloth House for discounted pricing). New jackets are desperately needed by the Surrey Memorial Hospital as discharging homeless patients with warm clothing helps prevent repeat hospital visits.
Since 2003, Baljit has volunteered at the Surrey Memorial Hospital. His multilingual and people skills make him very valuable to staff and visitors.
“Baljit often encounters people facing a variety of challenges and is always very patient, calm and caring in his approach,” said Rhonda L’Abbé, Manager, Volunteer Resources at the hospital. “On top of that, his effort of organizing the coat donations is a tremendous support and has gone a long way in keeping our Patient Resources Depot stocked over the winters. The depot provides clothing, shoes and other basic necessities for the most vulnerable of our patients of every age.”
Debbie Jay, Blanket Drive Coordinator, Fraser Valley Real Estate Board said she is equally appreciative.
“Baljit goes out of his way to help the organizations we support ensuring the donations requested are received, even if it means approaching businesses for support or spending his own money to pick up the most-needed items. It’s thanks to volunteers like Baljit that we’re able to make the drive happen each year and turn it into a success.”
This story was adapted – with permission – from one originally featured on the Sutton Spirit website. The Sutton Spirit program recognizes Sutton associates across Canada that improve and enhance the lives of the people around them.
