Angels 4 Warmth making major impact in Regina

A non-profit organization in Regina is doing everything in its power to keep desperate people warm this winter.

Angels 4 Warmth was founded more than 20 years ago and continues to serve people in the city. There are currently more than 200 volunteers who create clothing items to give back to those in need.

From scarves and winter gloves to quilts and blankets, the volunteers work endlessly to make sure there are enough items to help everyone brave the cold.

Ruth Barlow is in charge of the publicity side with Angels 4 Warmth and says there’s a wide range of volunteers who help make a difference.

“(There are) multi-generational families and even some dads who create items of warmth for people in need,” Barlow told Gormley on Monday when describing those who contribute to the cause.

There are roughly 12,000 to 13,000 items created each year by the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time.

Barlow says the volunteers can make any item they wish, and there aren’t any strict guidelines to follow.

“We get hats, mitts and scarves, but we get a lot of afghans and quilts,” Barlow says when naming a few of the items.

“We try to fill the best we can with the items that are made because we don’t require angels to make specific items. They knit, crochet and quilt items that they are interested in doing.”

There’s a wide range of different objects, but each object has its own use and serves a key purpose.

The organization is unique in the fact it runs for all 12 months of the year. Once the winter season arrives, there’s a higher demand for items to help brave the cold temperatures.

Barlow says the organization helps a wide variety of different groups around the city year-round.

“We have about 40 (groups) that are approved,” she said. “Not all require the same types of items at certain times of the year. We usually have between 20 and 30 groups to whom we deliver monthly.”