‘Warm up the Ritchie’ wall provides free winter gear for those in need

A new winter initiative took shape along the fence of the Al Ritchie Rink on Thursday morning, as rows of handmade scarves, hats and gloves were hung for anyone in the neighbourhood who needed them.

The Al Ritchie Community Association officially launched its inaugural Warm Up the Ritchie event, inviting residents to take cold-weather gear freely, no questions asked.

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For executive director Denis Simard, the purpose was simple: remove barriers for families and individuals who are struggling with winter expenses.

“People can come any time with their kiddos and grab whatever they need,” Simard said. “Everybody should feel warm in the winter.”

Scarves hang along the Al Ritchie Rink fence as part of Warm Up the Ritchie, a new initiative offering free winter gear to anyone who needs it. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

Dozens of items were donated ahead of the launch, including several boxes of knitted scarves from one resident who used leftover yarn. Simard said the generosity wasn’t surprising, just another example of how Regina communities show up for one another.

“We had people show up with bags and bags of cold-weather gear,” he said. “Regina might feel like a big city, but we’re really a small village when it comes to taking care of each other.”

The initiative was created in response to the rising need in the area. Simard said the association had already distributed as much food and clothing in the first eight months of the year as it did in all of the previous year.

With demand continuing to climb, “Warm Up the Ritchie” was designed to make essential items available around the clock, not just during the centre’s free clothing store’s operating hours.

The event also ties into a broader effort to turn the rink into a winter hub. The association manages the ice surface, crokicurl pad, warming shack and fire pit, which are expected to open in mid-December.

Volunteers will oversee the space in the evenings, creating opportunities for families, newcomers and neighbourhood children to skate, warm up or learn new activities.

“You’ll see new Canadians trying skating for the first time, families making memories. It’s a beautiful thing,” Simard said.

As more people visit the rink this winter, the association is hoping the wall of winter gear continues to grow. Residents are encouraged to take what they need and leave what they can.

“Every time someone brings a scarf or mitts, it’s their way of giving back,” Simard said. “If we can take one thing off someone’s shoulders this winter, that’s why we’re here.”

The winter clothing will remain available along the fence throughout the season, with staff and volunteers checking on supplies as donations come in.