The Project Warmth Society in Calgary, AB is an organization that helps provide donated clothes to people unable to buy winter clothing. (Cori Stockwood, CMRU.ca)
When the temperature drops, staying warm becomes a matter of survival. Project Warmth has spent nearly three decades helping Calgarians stay protected from the cold.
Community partnerships
Project Warmth supports 50 agencies across the city of Calgary. Working with 41 sponsors and all fire stations within the city. Calgary’s fire departments play a key role. Firefighters collect, store and distribute donations each year.
“In the four years that I’ve been here, the need has exponentially increased, and the amount of donations has exponentially decreased,” said Lydia Bentley, administrative coordinator for the Project Warmth. “People are holding on to things longer, which is understandable, but more people are hurting and need our help.”
These partnerships show the strength of the community. They reflect a city working together to protect its most vulnerable people.
More than just a clothing drive
Project Warmth ensures every donated item reaches someone who needs it. Coats, gloves, boots and blankets go to shelters, schools and community groups at no cost.
When a size or item is not available, volunteers step in. They buy new jackets and winter gear for children and others who need them. This extra effort has made Project Warmth a lifeline during harsh winters.
A mission rooted in compassion
Project Warmth was founded on Jan. 15, 1996, by Calgary barrister and philanthropist Gordon J. Hoffman. His goal was to provide clothing and support to homeless and underprivileged people.
The small effort grew into a trusted program. Many Calgarians now struggle to afford basic needs. Rising costs make winter clothing even harder to buy. Hoffman wanted a program that collected donations and delivered them directly to people in need.
The legacy
Project Warmth is now in its 29th year. The organization continues to adapt to the changing needs of Calgary. Economic pressure and housing insecurity keep the need high.
Project Warmth shows how compassion and community can make a difference. It proves that no one should face winter alone.
Your way to help
You can support Project Warmth by donating items such as:
- Sleeping bags
- Outerwear
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Footwear
- Toques
It only takes a moment of your time to learn how you can help
Personal Reflection
Working with Project Warmth on this story has been an eye-opening and genuinely meaningful experience. Spending time with the volunteers and staff offered a clear look at how deeply their efforts reach into the community. Every winter, countless Calgarians face dangerous cold snaps that can quickly turn life-threatening. Project Warmth steps in long before that risk becomes reality, offering coats, blankets, and essential gear to people who might otherwise go without.
What stood out most was how much impact a single small action can carry. Hearing stories from those who’ve received help made me realize that something as simple as donating a jacket I no longer wear can be life-changing for someone who has nothing to keep them warm. The staff see those kinds of moments every day, reminders that compassion doesn’t have to be complicated.
My hope in sharing this project is to encourage others to look at what they no longer need and consider the difference it could make. Calgary is a city built on community, and acts of kindness, whether big or small, have always helped it thrive. If more of us take a moment to give, we can collectively create a warmer, more caring city for everyone.
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