After seeing Saskatoon’s unhoused population grow significantly in recent years, a new non-profit organization decided to jump into action.
Melissa Zimmer is the Board President of Bridge City Warmth. She says the group started in January 2025 with four like-minded people that wanted to help the unhoused.
“It really took off right from the beginning. That just goes to show that people out there want to help. It’s one of the reasons we named ourselves Bridge City Warmth. One, because we’re the city of bridges, and two, because we are bridging the gap between people that want to help and people that don’t know how to help.”
Flash forward to nearly a year later; the group has a board of four and 92 volunteers that help with donation collections, housing efforts, outreach work, street patrols and distribution events.
Drop off locations include Reclaim Maternity on Circle Drive North, Saskatoon Med Spa on McOrmond Drive, a volunteer’s house in Hampton Village, and several locations in Warman and Martensville.
The organization is launching 7 Days of Christmas Giving on November 25th. Each day, the public will be encouraged to contribute in a new way, such as donating socks or hygiene items.
If you want to become a volunteer, BWC is on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or you can reach out to Bridgecitywarmth@gmail.com.
Day 1 – Warm Hands, Warm Hearts. Donate mitts, gloves, and hand warmers.
Day 2 – Socks for the Streets. New and used socks of all sizes are always in high demand.
Day 3 – Hygiene & Hope. Hygiene kits and personal care items bring comfort and dignity.
Day 4 – A Cup of Comfort. Hot chocolate, tea, coffee, or travel mugs — a small act that warms inside and out.
Day 5 – Jacket, Blanket & Warm Winter Items Drive. Help us collect winter coats, blankets, toques, and scarves.
Day 6 – Sponsor a Family or Unhoused Individual. Provide gifts or essentials to help make someone’s Christmas brighter.
Day 7 – Feed the Heart. Support our next street patrol or distribution event with food donations or financial contributions.
