After seeing an outpouring of support for local businesses during the 2021 holiday season, Jill Lasky began looking for a way to give back in her new home of St. John’s.
It was followed by “Warming Wall” which returned this month for the second year in a row.
“There was a huge push from downtown St. John to support local people, so I had a lot of people come by and buy a lot of Christmas presents,” she said.
“So I wanted to give back to the community.”
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The wall is a collection of warm clothing—from sweaters and hats, to pajamas and scarves—outside Lasky’s store at St. John’s City Market. It is left outside at all times of the day, allowing anyone who needs to drop by and grab an item at any time.
Lasky collects donations to put on the wall, as well as lots of her own crochet items that she makes throughout the year. He hopes the items can play a small part in helping others.
“I just hope that when someone wears their clothes they feel good about themselves,” she said.
“I just want people to feel good about themselves and (to know) that people care. We care here and we want everyone to be safe.”
The wall has also engulfed other vendors in the city market. Linda Cook, who sells maps and prints not far from New Brunswick, has donated a large number of items over the past two years. She says the initiative addresses a growing need in the community.
“Well it’s a wonderful cause and wonderful cause and I fully support the idea of keeping everyone as warm as possible,” she said.
Lasky is originally from Toronto and moved to Darlings Island during the pandemic. Her father is from St. John’s and part of moving to the area was to reconnect with her roots.
And now she’s doing what she can to give back to her adopted community.
“Doing things like this helps you feel related, when we take care of each other,” she said.
“I really feel that St. John’s is about taking care of each other, so when we’re taking care of each other, it feels like a community, no matter where you’re from.” Huh.”
The warming wall will remain in place for the remainder of the month before returning again the following year, with leftovers being donated to charity.
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