A trio of three social agencies are collecting camping gear for homeless people who need to self-isolate.
The United Way of Greater Victoria, in partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Victoria and the HeroWork Society, is looking for donations of clean new or gently used two- to four-person tents, non-flammable tarps, sleeping bags and sleeping mats.
Distribution to people in need will be co-ordinated by the Dandelion Society and the Greater Victoria Coalition to End Homelessness.
Donors are asked to put items in the trunk of their vehicle and stay in their vehicles when they arrive. To maintain social distancing, volunteers will unload all donations.
At the end of the collection day, all materials will be quarantined for 72 hours.
No pillows, sheets, blankets or other household items will be accepted.
The collection drive runs 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday in the parking lot of Save-on-Foods Memorial Arena, 1925 Blanshard St. Enter the parking lot off Pembroke Street (between Quadra and Blanshard streets).
Donors are asked not to enter the parking lot off Caledonia Street, since that entrance is for the Victoria Police Department only.
Pedestrians and cyclists can drop off materials in a designated zone on Quadra Street (near the entrance to the Victoria Curling Club).
For more information, go to .
