Halifax girl, 12, collects clothing donations for homeless people

A Halifax girl has started a campaign to ease the chill of winter for the city's homeless people.

Maria Fitzgerald, 12, got the idea after attending a Halifax Mooseheads hockey game with her dad. When they were leaving the building, they encountered two men asking for change.

"We gave them each a toonie and I said that if everybody in the Mooseheads game gave them a dollar, then they could have gotten off the street," she said in an interview at her home Thursday.

Clothing, blankets, money welcome

On the drive home, Fitzgerald said she asked her father how people end up homeless. It was at that point the fundraiser idea for Shelter Nova Scotia was born.

She has just started collecting new men's gloves and boxers, and new or gently used blankets. Money is also welcome.

"My neighbour gave us $100 and my sister also donated $7," Fitzgerald said.

Drop-off event Saturday

Her friends at school are also helping out. The goal is to have people bring their donations to the driveway of their home on 30 Grosvenor Road in Halifax on Saturday, February 20.

"That's the day we think we're going to get a lot of donations," Fitzgerald said.

The drop-off runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.