Fans heading to Wednesday’s Coquitlam Express game against the Surrey Eagles are being asked to bring a blanket.
Not because the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex is expected to be especially cold for the 7 p.m. game between the BC Hockey League divisional rivals.
The Express has teamed up with the Blanket BC Society to collect blankets that are distributed to individuals and families throughout the province who are struggling with homelessness or sub-optimal housing.
Some are also passed along to organizations helping victims of the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria as well as refugees from the war in Ukraine who’ve found their way to camps in Poland.
The Blanket BC Society was founded 17 years ago by Coquitlam native Gregory Ould, a Centennial Secondary grad.
Since then, he told the Tri-City News, more than 575,000 blankets have been collected and passed along to those who need them.
It all comes from fulfilling a basic human need: Warmth.
“It really comes down to surviving the night. You don’t realize how important a simple blanket can change a life.”
Ould said with the rising cost of living, the need to stay warm has extended from the street and into homes of families struggling with high costs for food and shelter.
Sometimes, it’s the thermostat that has to be turned way down to ensure there’s money to pay for groceries or cover the rent.
“The need has gone up. Folks are one paycheque away from being homeless.”
Ould said collection efforts like Wednesday’s Express game are important to his organization, as it’s also struggling to secure funding to carry on its work.
He said if people can’t bring blankets, socks, gloves or toques, cash donations also help keep his volunteers who collect and distribute blankets on the road.
Ould said most people are good about donating items that have been cleaned and are in good repair.
But if a blanket isn’t up to standard, it doesn’t go to waste; instead, it’s sent to local animal shelters and SPCA branches where it can bring comfort to homeless dogs and cats.
A collection area for blankets and other items that provide warmth will be set up in the arena’s concourse, right by the entrance.
Meanwhile, the Express announced Monday it raised $10,876.50 in its annual Score for Cancer game last Dec. 17th. That brings the total funds raised by the initiative that was started in 2021 by former captain Ryan Tattle to more than $142,000.
With a month left in the regular season, the Express are battling for the best possible position in the playoffs.
The team is currently in fourth place in the BCHL’s Coastal division with 52 points in 45 games. That’s two less than the third-place Alberni Valley Bulldogs, who’ve played one more game, and two more than the Chilliwack Chiefs. The Victoria Grizzles also have 50 points, but in only 43 games.
The Surrey Eagles are in second place in the division, with 61 points in 43 games.
The Express and Eagles have played each other six times so far this season; Surrey’s won five of those games.
For more information about the Blanket BC Society, to to its website.
