The 19th annual Mitten Tree campaign was such a resounding success this holiday season, there will be a second round of deliveries in the new year.
Barrie Police Const. Janet Schefter has been organizing the mitten and scarf donation blitz at Christmas for almost two decades and is just as passionate about it in 2017 as she was when she started.
"I was sitting beside our tree and we put them all together. They were almost up to my shoulders. It was a mound of blankets, a vest, socks, mittens, scarves, hats. So many donations. So many great people in the city of Barrie," said the veteran cop.
"We got two boxes sent from Nanaimo B.C. A lady who made some amazing scarves and hats. They were outstanding. I was so overwhelmed."
For the second year in a row, she partnered with Zehrs north and says there are plans to involve all Zehrs stores next year.
"This year we had so many donations, the people in the city have really risen to the occasion and with all the extra people that have none, and more people on the street, this is fantastic," she said.
Over the years, Schefter has collected over 20,000 hats, mittens, gloves and scarves that were given out to people of all ages throughout Barrie and the surrounding area.
Eight organizations benefit from her warm and fuzzy initiative: The Salvation Army, Youth Haven, Out of the Cold, CARAH House Hospice Simcoe, RVH Cancer Care Centre, David Busby Centre and The Women's and Children's Shelter of Barrie.
