Winnipegger donates winter essentials at bus stops

As winter is in full swing in the city with cold snaps and snowstorms, one Winnipegger has been warming people’s heart — and their bodies — with a unique approach: donations at bus stops.

Desiree Martin has been leaving winter essentials bus shelters across different neighbourhoods.

“It, honestly, helps me sleep ‘cause we live in Winnipeg, it’s so cold,” Martin says. “If i could take a bunch of people into my home I would.”

A regular bundle consists of a blanket, toque, socks and hygiene products.

When Martin moved to Winnipeg almost a decade ago, she used transit as her main way of moving around the city. She says one particular bus rider inspired her initiative.

“I noticed there were a lot of our people, especially, in the wintertime that didn’t have proper clothing, proper gear — even socks,” Martin explains. “’ve seen one girl, she had shoes on and no socks. and her ankles look very cold.”

Martin distributes the bundles at bus stops in Winnipeg’s Core, North End and West End neighbourhoods where she says the need is the most.

“this is one of the areas (where) I’ve noticed a lot of people, not just First Nations, but just a lot of homeless people who were needing some support,” Martin says. “There are tons of organizations out there, but just doing a little I can, feels good.”

Martin says a lot of people might be reluctant to ask for help, but she says her approach of leaving things allows people to receive support with dignity.

“(Once) there was a lady, she was standing and watching me do it. And as soon as I left, I kinda peeked over as she was going through it. She just grabbed a couple things.”

On Sunday, Martin’s son joined her for the donations drop-off.

“He had seen me doing it before, he’d seen me from the car, running out to the bus shacks, but this time he wanted to come help me and it feels really good. so now he knows that our people need help,” Martin says.