(Donna Atkinson-Wilson and volunteers. Credit: Keeping Kids Warm)
Donna Atkinson-Wilson, founder of Keeping Kids Warm, has been running the charity in London since 2003. Registered in 2005, the organization initially focused on providing hats and mitts for homeless and teenagers. “London has just got overwhelmed with homelessness,” said Atkinson-Wilson. “I know what it’s like to not have a lot, but we always had a roof over our heads. When you meet people freezing to death because there’s nothing available for them, that’s why I do what I do.”
One of her signature initiatives, ´Tye One On´, started 12 years ago. “I met some people at the Centre of Hope and they said: ‘you take these hats and give them to someone who needs them,’” she recalled. “I said to my volunteers, why don’t we put hats and mitts in baggies with cards and hang them in the trees at Victoria Park?” The idea took off with 130 items claimed in two days, and last Sunday marked the 12th year of the project with 140. Toques, gloves and scarves were hanging on some trees, all bagged and tagged with messages encouraging people to take them. As of the end of this article, there were still a couple. “It may be the last year; I have a health issue. I´m also going to be 70 in June and I´ve lost a lot of my volunteers,” she added.
(Items for cold weather. Credit: Roger Farias)
Atkinson-Wilson says helping the homeless is not solely the mayor’s responsibility; it involves the city council, the provincial government, and the federal government. “People need to step up and ask the politicians running for office in London, Ontario, what they plan to do”. She stresses that more mental health facilities are needed. “I just want people to know their help is needed, and it’s needed now, We do what we can.” She also noted that Josh Morgan is aware of what’s happening in the city.
The founder highlighted that she has always carried out the work by taking the bus or with the help of her volunteers, mentioning she is no longer able to go out as she once did. “I used to take a grocery cart on the bus, go downtown, and hand out stuff to the homeless because I’ve never had a car while doing this,” she remarked. “Everybody knows how cold it is outside, and many have coats, but when people leave their schools or workplaces, they’re going to go home and be nice and warm, the same as me. But the homeless population doesn´t, and it makes me feel guilty sometimes. People need to know that we have to fix this.
(Items for cold weather. Credit: Roger Farias)
Two individuals passing through Victoria Park shared their thoughts on the initiative supporting those in need during winter. Anurag Rai described it as essential, given the extreme cold. “I think it’s a great initiative. It’s necessary because it gets brutally cold in Canada—that goes without saying. People who don’t have the means or aren’t fortunate enough need things like this and are actually using what is being provided on the trees. I’m not sure how effective it is, but I hope it will truly help those who need it.”
(Items for cold weather. Credit: Roger Farias)
Soniya Singh also praised the effort, highlighting its impact on vulnerable individuals. “I think it’s a commendable job that this organization is looking out for homeless people and those who are cold and providing what they need,” she said, stressing its importance, especially during freezing conditions. “Winter gets really harsh, so I truly appreciate this kind of support.”
People interested in helping with this cause can attend on Sunday, February 2, at the Boyle Memorial Community Centre at 2 p.m.
