Dawn Gibson
Sooke News Mirror
Thanks to Sooke resident Greer Desveaux, no child at École Poirier Elementary School will be cold this winter.
Desveaux volunteers as a lunch time supervisor at the school, and noticed that some kids were standing off to the side at recess and not wanting to play because they were too cold.
Last year, she decided to pull together a bunch of gloves to try and keep the kids warm so they could enjoy their breaks.
“It was obvious to me that something needed to be done,” she said.
This year, she has pulled together around 250 pairs of gloves, as well as hats, scarves, socks, jackets, and boots for the children, and takes all of the winter gear home each week to wash.
“It broke my heart to see them miss out just because they were too cold,” said Desveaux. “And sometimes, kids just forget, so this stuff is just there in case they need it. It’s been taken on really well, the kids are using it often and no one is standing around shivering anymore.”
She hopes that soon more schools in the district will set up a similar program.
“Even if it were on a smaller scale it would be great if other schools had something available for the kids. It hasn’t been a hassle for me at all,” Desveaux. “I just do it so the kids can be kids.”
To donate or help volunteer for the program, contact Desveaux at gdesveaux@hotmail.com.