A new charity in the area is organizing a clothing drive to give back to the community.
Minutemen Alliance, an Edmonton-based non-profit organization, recently launched a satellite branch in Bonnyville, and are running a clothing drive until Dec. 22.
Local member Nikki Robak noted the pop-up stores offer free clothing to those who need them and were first featured throughout Edmonton, where “people would come and take what they need.”
“We’re just trying to get clothes, and anything people use in their everyday.... I’m concentrating on clothing donations, and stuff people really need, especially in the winter,” she expressed.
Larry Pilipchuk, president of the Edmonton location and one of the original founders, said they also have things that people can use, such as toothbrushes and toothpaste, but may not be able to afford.
When Robak asked if she could start a chapter locally, the organization embraced the suggestion.
“She asked if she could open up in Bonnyville, and we said ‘we’d love it.’ The more Minutemen locations we can get, the more people we can help,” noted Pilipchuk.
Depending on the amount of clothing collected will determine what will be available at the pop-up store.
The Edmonton location plans on assisting with the Bonnyville shop. Their intention is to bring boxes full of clothing here for those who need it.
Robak hopes to organize a temporary location in the new year.
Minutemen Alliance asks people who use their services to volunteer some time if they’re able.
“We’re finding a lot with the volunteers, it’s just making us feel so good when they’re helping people,” Robak said.
While the group is still new to the area, Robak’s hard at work.
“We’re good to go, we’re just waiting for donations. I did get some (last week), and I really appreciate that,” she said.
Minutemen also offers the Community Heroes Program, where volunteers help seniors.
“We go to their homes and do small house repairs. We do snow shovelling, and yard work so they can stay in their homes for longer,” detailed Robak. “We just try to help, anyone in need. They can contact us and we’ll do what we can.”
The clothing drive is just the beginning for the Bonnyville location. Rubak hopes to host a silent auction to raise money toward food hampers and their Community Heroes Program.
Anyone interested in volunteering or making a donation can find the Minutemen Alliance Bonnyville location on social media, or call 587-599-7507.
