Mustard Seed asks for bottled water donations to help homeless Calgarians beat the heat
'People experiencing poverty and homelessness are very much at risk because of the heat'
A Calgary homeless shelter is seeking donations of bottled water to help the city's vulnerable populations combat this week's high temperatures.
Andy Lewington, a street level manager with the non-profit organization, says those living on the streets don't always have easy access to enough water to keep them hydrated.
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"People experiencing poverty and homelessness are very much at risk because of the heat," Lewington said.
"The people that work with us often are carrying everything that they own on their backs, walking around the streets of Calgary all day, every day," he added.
The Mustard Seed is also seeking donations of sunscreen and ball caps, but the organization's main priority is bottled water.
Temperatures in Calgary and southern Alberta are expected to reach above 30 C this week.
Environment Canada says heat stroke and heat exhaustion could result, and drinking plenty of water and other liquids that don't contain alcohol or caffeine is recommended.
Children, seniors and people with some pre-existing health conditions are particularly at risk.