A local mission says that Winnipeggers can reach out to the city's most vulnerable people in a very easy and practical way.

Union Gospel Mission says they are in desperate need of bottled water that they can hand out to people on the streets of Winnipeg. UGM put out a call for help last week but so far have not received any donations.

Development Manager, Martin Chidwick, says, “Prayer is always number one for us. Number two right now is just for water. We’ve got a lot of very thirsty people on the street. Of course, the weather has warmed up considerably, stores are not freely open as they once were, and people are finding a hard time getting ahold of a drink.”  

UGM is looking for people to drop off packages of bottled water, or monetary donations specified for water, among their other regular needs. 

“We also go out onto the street and the one thing we’re commonly asked for is a bottle of water. That’s what our need is [now].” 

Chidwick says that the mission can hand out anywhere between 1,000 and 2,000 bottles of water a day during the summer months.

People are asked to drop off cases of water at UGM on 320 Princess Street. Chidwick says the mission is also happy to come and pick up large donations if you call them at (204) 943-9904.