Montreal’s Walls of Kindness initiative is up until the end of the month, providing the gift of warmth for those in need as the nights get colder. The Walls of Kindness is organized by local non-profit Renaissance. Every year, the initiative gathers approximately 2,000 winter coats that are donated. “It’s amazing. The population’s reaction is really positive,” said CEO of Renaissance, Eric St-Arnaud. This year, the walls are located on Ste-Catherine Street East on the corner Bourbonniere and on Sherbrooke Street Easton, the corner Frontenac. Everyone is encouraged to hang new or used coats and winter wear, which Renaissance collects and drops off at The Old Brewery Mission. “We have citizens that are living outside, that don’t have affordable housing. So we need the solidarity of Montrealers. And I’m happy to see that they are already and dozens and dozens of people that want to contribute,” Director of Public Affairs and Government Relations for The Old Brewery Mission, William Hodgson said. Hodgson adds that this humble project needs to be part of a bigger plan. “The city. The government of Quebec, the Federal government need to be partners in building and putting in place long term measures in tackling homelessness. That’s housing and preventive measures.” Monetary donations can also be made in renaissance stores. “In a time of the year, population are really ready to help others, and especially at time being at the increase of people living on the street,” said St-Arnaud.
