On Tuesday evening, ten-year-old Port Robinson resident Jack Hirst once again put out a donation bin on his porch to collect warm clothing for those in need.
Hirst started his annual ‘Share the Warmth’ campaign back in November 2020 and it has been growing ever since.
“I just like to help people,” Hirst says, in an interview with ThoroldToday. “People without stuff, it’s hard to survive. Helping them out will make it better.”
Hirst says he felt inspired to help others because of his mother Nicole, who volunteers her time at the Port Robinson Community Centre.
He wanted to contribute to the community in his own way and that’s how he conceived of the ‘Share the Warmth’ campaign.
“I thought of it,” he says. “I’m like: Why don’t we help people because a lot of people don’t have enough money to afford clothes. I thought of doing it, and we did it again and again.”
At the start of each campaign, Hirst’s mother calls around to local organizations to get a feel for what their needs are.
Then, Hirst creates posters which he hangs up around town, and then all that’s left to do is put out a donation bin on the porch.
Throughout the campaign, Hirst spends his time sorting through the donated clothing.
“We put it in boxes, label them and leave them downstairs in sorted piles,” he explains. “Once it’s done we deliver it.”
Every year the campaign has grown. In his first year, Hirst collected 118 pairs of mitts, 151 hats, 63 scarves, 135 pairs of socks, 24 coats and 5 pairs of boots. Last year, he doubled that amount by amassing almost 300 pounds of clothing. He also started receiving cash donations which he uses to buy more clothing.
Does Hirst feel pressure to collect even more clothing than last year?
“We might get the same, we might get more,” he says. “We already have some in there already.”
Clothes donated will be delivered to Niagara Dream Center, Niagara's Mobile Closet, Tool Box Niagara, and Westview Centre 4 Women.
Undertaking such a big donation campaign does take a lot of work. Luckily, Hirst has strong support from his grandmother Judy and his mother Nicole.
“I’m proud of him for keeping it going,” Hirst’s mother says. “I thought it was going to be a one time thing. For him wanting to keep doing it every year, I’m very proud of him. I’m always willing to help. If he’s wanting to do it I’m backing him 100 per cent.”
This year's 'Share the Warmth' campaign will run until Dec. 12. Jack's donation bin is located at 14 South St S in Port Robinson.