In 2005, a single request from a homeless man asking for a blanket on a cold night changed the course of Gregory Ould’s life. Moved by this interaction, Gregory co-founded Blanket BC, an organization dedicated to collecting and distributing blankets and warm clothing to the homeless population.

Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre – Local Journalism Initiative

“That simple plea for warmth sparked something in me,” Gregory recalls. “It made me realize how much a small gesture can mean to someone in need.” The Tri-Cities region, where Blanket BC began its journey, was a natural focus for Gregory’s work. “This is home,” he explains. “The Tri-Cities have always been a supportive and tight-knit community, and I knew we could make a difference here.”

The community’s response to Blanket BC has been overwhelmingly positive. Through events like the annual Drive on the Line, the organization has collected over 500,000 blankets and other items over the years.

“It’s heartwarming to see people come together to help their neighbors,” Gregory says. However, the work is not without its challenges. “One of the biggest hurdles is simply keeping up with demand. The need is constant, and during the colder months, it’s especially critical,” Gregory shares.

Despite these difficulties, volunteers have become the backbone of the organization. “We couldn’t do this without them. From sorting donations to distributing blankets, volunteers are at the heart of everything we do.”

Local businesses have also played a crucial role in supporting Blanket BC’s mission. “Their contributions, whether through sponsorships or providing spaces for donation drives, have helped us reach more people than we could have imagined,” Gregory explains. Looking to the future, Gregory hopes to expand Blanket BC’s outreach across the Lower Mainland and beyond. “I want to see a world where no one has to ask for a blanket to survive the night,” he says, a vision that continues to inspire his work.