Northwestern Ontario Braces for Significant Temperature Drop This Week
As temperatures plummet across Northwestern Ontario, the Kenora Fellowship Centre is appealing for warm winter clothing donations. Cold weather warnings, particularly for Dryden and Sioux Lookout, were issued by Environment Canada early in the week. Although some warnings were lifted by Monday afternoon, extremely cold temperatures are expected to persist.
Severe Temperature Forecasts
This week, regions like Thunder Bay are forecasted to experience daytime highs between -16°C and -22°C. Overnight temperatures could dip to around -30°C, especially on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Other areas such as Dryden, Sioux Lookout, Atikokan, Red Lake, and Kenora are likely to see similar conditions, with daytime highs consistently below -20°C and nighttime lows exceeding -30°C.
Call for Donations
Yvonne Bearbull, director of the Kenora Fellowship Centre, reports an influx of individuals seeking winter clothing. The centre operates a daily drop-in program and offers donated items to those in need.
“We’ve seen people coming in with frostbite and just trying to look for warmer clothing,” Bearbull stated. To address this urgent need, the centre has requested donations via social media.
Donation Details
Bearbull noted a positive response from the community. However, as quickly as donations arrive, they are distributed to individuals in need. “We’re really happy that people are being able to get that extra bit of warmth and comfort,” she added.
- Socks
- Footwear
- Coats
- Sweaters
- Pants
- Toques
- Mitts
- Neck warmers
The Kenora Fellowship Centre is accepting items at their location on Water Street in Kenora. Bearbull expressed gratitude for the compassion shown by donors, highlighting the emotional response of those dropping off items.
Witnessing community members come together in concern for others has been heartwarming. “It’s really difficult to see people coming into the centre, just shivering,” she remarked. “And it’s truly uplifting to see them leave better prepared for the extreme cold.”
