With temperatures dipping well below freezing, community members across the Lower Mainland came together Saturday to spread some warmth to those who need it most.
All around the city groups and individuals found ways to lend a hand as the mercury fell.
Matt Krawchuk and his work colleagues collected warm clothing, blankets and scarves which they then handed out from the back of their truck to those who needed it.
“It’s probably one of the coldest days I can remember around here,” Krawchuk said. “I’ve got tons of stuff around the house so I figured I'd just bring some down and help people.”
The cold temperatures have prompted the City of Vancouver to issue a cold weather alert and spread the word that the shelters are all open, as well as encourage residents to keep an eye out for one another.
“We’re asking folks to check up on their elderly neighbours or your relatives and make sure they are getting food, and their heat is on properly, because often they don’t know what to do,” said Kerry Jang, Vancouver city councillor.
Police handed out care packages of energy bars, sleeping bags and warm clothing on the Downtown Eastside donated by the Lotus Light Charity Society.
Besides the emergency shelters, the Coast Mental Health Resource Centre on Seymour Street is also open seven days a week to offer food and a place to warm up.
“It’s not just the shelters that people need, with places to sleep, they also need to places to go during the day,” said Tracy Schonfeld, director of community services at the centre. “They can’t be out in the parks or just out in the streets.”
Temperatures are expected to stay below freezing for the rest of the weekend and warm up early next week.
With a report from CTV British Columbia's Lisa Rossington.
