[Skip to main content](#main)
How a Winnipeg family is giving away more than 600 pairs of boots
A Winnipeg family is celebrating a major milestone of their self-made charity – providing a pair of warm boots to anyone who needs them.
Robyn Brown started Warm Boots, Warm Hearts in 2019 after she noticed that winter boots were a much-needed item at the family resource centre where she worked.
“We just found that for whatever reason, winter footwear seemed to be one of the gaps that we could not fill, there was just such a need,” said Brown.
So, she took matters into her own hands, “I basically came home one day and put a little message out on my personal Facebook asking if any of my friends and family happened to have a pair of boots,” said Brown.
She received dozens of responses, “my husband came home for work and I said ‘whoops, I think I accidentally started a charity!'”
Brown, her husband, and their son began collecting boot donations in their garage.She said they gave away more than 100 pairs of boots that first year.
“(We) started putting the word out to community organizations: ‘hey, if you have anyone who’s needing any boots, let us know and we’ll try and fulfill that request,'” she said.
The charity also accepts requests through social media and accepts referrals from schools and daycares.
“If you need a pair of boots, were going to get them for you, no questions asked,” said Brown.
This past holiday season, the Brown family handed out its 600th pair of boots since the program’s inception.
“We like to go with the mantra that we believe that every pair of boots counts,” said Brown.”We’re just working out of our garage with our little family.”
Brown said the success of their charity is a testament to how the city of Winnipeg comes together.”So many strangers … have emailed us, or found us on social media, or just dropped off a pair of boots anonymously at one of our donation partners, without ever having met us, or meeting the people the boots are going to,” she said.”And it’s just really nice.”
More information on Warm Boots, Warm Hearts can be found on
social media.
Winnipeg Top Stories
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Death from above: How drone warfare is shaping the battlefield in Ukraine
Drone warfare has been a calling card of the invasion of Ukraine, with the autonomous aerial vehicles being used on both sides of the conflict to devastating effect.
Ransomware group LockBit apologizes, saying ‘partner’ was behind SickKids attack
A global ransomware operator has issued a rare apology after it claims one of its ‘partners’ was behind a cyberattack on Canada’s largest pediatric medical centre.
‘Not a start the royals want’: Upcoming Prince Harry interviews already stirring royal discussion
CTV News Royal Commentator Richard Berthelsen weighs in on Prince Harry’s soon-to-be released interviews ahead of the launch of his memoir.
https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/celine-dion-snubbed-in-rolling-stone-s-greatest-singers-list-1.6215025″>
Celine Dion snubbed in Rolling Stone’s ‘Greatest Singers List’
Legendary Quebec chanteuse Celine Dion has been snubbed by Rolling Stone magazine.
For many fans, Dion was a glaring omission from the magazine’s ranking of the 200 greatest singers of all time, published Sunday.
[]https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/celine-dion-snubbed-in-rolling-stone-s-greatest-singers-list-1.6215025
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-ahead-of-blue-monday-1.6215035″>
How to protect your mental health ahead of ‘Blue Monday’
Registered social worker and psychotherapist Vera Cheng shares advice for how Canadians can protect their mental health ahead of ‘Blue Monday.’ The third Monday of the month, January 16, will mark ‘Blue Monday,’ considered to be the saddest day of the year and a particularly heavy time for some.
[]https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/how-to-protect-your-mental-health-ahead-of-blue-monday-1.6215035
Angela Bassett and Courtney Vance’s teen son apologizes for participating in fake celeb death TikTok trend
The son of actress Angela Bassett has issued an apology after receiving backlash for a viral video of him telling his parents that actor Michael B.Jordan had died.
‘The Avengers’ star Jeremy Renner seriously injured in snow-plowing accident
‘The Avengers’ star Jeremy Renner was seriously injured while plowing snow in Reno, Nevada, and is in critical condition.
Convoy organizer says plans to stage a 2023 protest in Winnipeg are off
Canada Unity, one of the anti-government protest groups behind the protests that headlined much of last year, is calling off its plans to restage the event this February.
Who’s exempt from Canada’s foreign homebuyers ban? Here’s what you need to know
Canada’s ban on foreign homebuyers is now in effect, barring commercial enterprises and individuals outside of Canada from buying residential properties in the country.
CTVNews.ca breaks down everything you need to know about the regulations.
Regina
–
Minor injuries reported following fire in downtown Regina hotel
Crews with the Regina Fire and Protective Services (RFPS) responded to a fire at a downtown Regina hotel on Sunday.
–
Independent investigation underway after death of inmate in custody: Moose Jaw police
The Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) has requested an independent investigation following the death of a person in custody.
–
Stranded Sunwing passengers returning to Sask.
on special flights
After being stranded due to cancelled return trips, more Saskatchewan residents are returning to the province on special flights arranged by Sunwing.
Saskatoon
–
‘I just like helping people’: Snow angels pulling cars out for free
With snowbanks piling high all over town, even in a city known for winter weather, this is more than some vehicles can handle.
–
Two dead in collision on Sask.Highway 11: RCMP
Northbound traffic on Highway 11 at the town of Osler was shut down Sunday night following a three-vehicle collision.
–
More coordination on social issues needed in 2023, says Saskatoon mayor
Saskatoon mayor Charlie Clark says the city needs stronger partnerships if it’s going to contend with social issues like homelessness, addiction and mental health in 2023.
Northern Ontario
–
Northern Ont.food bank receives thousands of pounds of food, thanks to local firefighter
A food bank in northern Ontario received 10,000 pounds of food, thanks to the efforts of a local first responder.Jeremy Alldred-Hughes is a firefighter with the Town of Kirkland Lake.He says after seeing the increasing usage of food bank services, he wanted to do something to help.
–
Convoy organizer says plans to stage a 2023 protest in Winnipeg are off
Canada Unity, one of the anti-government protest groups behind the protests that headlined much of last year, is calling off its plans to restage the event this February.
–
How to protect your mental health ahead of ‘Blue Monday’
Registered social worker and psychotherapist Vera Cheng shares advice for how Canadians can protect their mental health ahead of ‘Blue Monday.’ The third Monday of the month, January 16, will mark ‘Blue Monday,’ considered to be the saddest day of the year and a particularly heavy time for some.
Edmonton
–
‘Pretty demoralizing’: Vandals hit Edmonton community league hall for second time
The Riverbend Community League is preparing to once again rebuild and repair their Brookside Hall after a second break-in three months.
–
Local eatery challenges new year resolutions with burger diet
A south Edmonton eatery has invited diners to try out a new kind of new year’s resolution.
–
Man fatally shot outside central Edmonton shelter
Police are investigating after a man was shot outside a central Edmonton shelter and later died from his injuries Monday.
Toronto
–
Ransomware group LockBit apologizes, saying ‘partner’ was behind SickKids attack
A global ransomware operator has issued a rare apology after it claims one of its ‘partners’ was behind a cyberattack on Canada’s largest pediatric medical centre.
–
Elderly man struck by vehicle in Mississauga in critical condition: paramedics
A man is fighting for his life in hospital after being struck by a vehicle in Mississauga on Monday afternoon.
–
Driver, 24, dead after single-vehicle crash in Stoney Creek
A 24-year-old driver is dead following an overnight collision in Stoney Creek.
Calgary
–
Calgary realtor predicts what the housing market will be like in 2023
A Calgary realtor expects more challenges ahead for the housing market in 2023 as it recovers from interest rate hikes that spooked both buyers and sellers alike.
–
Ukrainian U25 hockey team takes on Dinos, raises awareness to help keep hockey alive in country at war
The University of Calgary Dinos men’s hockey team will host a special opponent Monday night at Father David Bauer Arena, when they play an exhibition against the Ukrainian U25 national team.
–
Friends rally to support family of man killed in multi-vehicle crash near Airdrie
Friends and family are rallying to raise funds for the family of a Carstairs man who died in a multi-vehicle collision Dec.27 north of Airdrie.
Montreal
–
Who’s exempt from Canada’s foreign homebuyers ban? Here’s what you need to know
Canada’s ban on foreign homebuyers is now in effect, barring commercial enterprises and individuals outside of Canada from buying residential properties in the country.CTVNews.ca breaks down everything you need to know about the regulations.
–
Quebec immigration program only accepting French applicants
An immigration program designed for entrepreneurs will now only accept applications from French speakers in Quebec.It is part of the Coalition Avenir Quebec (CAQ) promise to have 100 per cent of newcomers to the province be francophone by 2026.
–
Celine Dion snubbed in Rolling Stone’s ‘Greatest Singers List’
Legendary Quebec chanteuse Celine Dion has been snubbed by Rolling Stone magazine.For many fans, Dion was a glaring omission from the magazine’s ranking of the 200 greatest singers of all time, published Sunday.
Ottawa
–
Convoy organizer says plans to stage a 2023 protest in Winnipeg are off
Canada Unity, one of the anti-government protest groups behind the protests that headlined much of last year, is calling off its plans to restage the event this February.
–
Pharmacies already seeing demand as Ontario rolls out increased prescription powers
Patients across Ontario can now get a prescription for some common ailments without visiting a doctor’s office and at least one pharmacy in Ottawa is already seeing the demand.
–
Car fire doused in minutes after blaze erupts in garage
Ottawa firefighters doused a car fire in a commercial garage in a matter of minutes Monday evening.
Atlantic
–
No charges being considered in Friday’s homicide incident: Halifax police
No criminal charges are being considered at this time in relation to a homicide that occurred at a Halifax residence Friday evening, say police.
–
World Juniors tournament wraps up in Moncton
Monday marked the last two in-person games for the 2023 World Juniors in Moncton, but the tournament brought a big boost and excitement to the city.
–
Birth of nine calves sparks hope for endangered North Atlantic right whales
A scientist who studies the endangered North Atlantic right whale is cautiously optimistic about the current breeding season after nine calves were spotted during its first few weeks.
Kitchener
–
Arrest made in connection to reports of shots fired in Brantford
A 19-year-old man has been arrested in connection to reports of shots fired Monday afternoon outside of a home in Brantford.
–
Higher cost of living and payroll deductions could see more residents budgeting in Waterloo Region
A change to your pay cheque can be expected in 2023 as contributions to the Canadian Pension and Employment Insurance are increasing.
–
First baby of 2023 born in Waterloo Region shares father’s birthday
The first birth of the year in Waterloo Region belongs to a Kitchener couple, but Jan.
1 is a date the new father has celebrated his whole life.
Vancouver
–
Police called after fireworks ignite in Vancouver condo
A video circulating online is raising eyebrows, and safety concerns, as it shows a number of fireworks exploding either inside a Yaletown condo or on its very small balcony.
–
Living in B.C.: What will cost more, less, and the same in 2023
After a 2022 marked by painful inflation levels, British Columbians can expect to some necessities to cost the same in 2023, with a handful being cheaper but unlikely to make up for food costs that’ll continue to rise.
–
‘It’s a perfectly imperfect system’: YVR and airlines reunite 3,500 bags with owners over 4-day period
Roughly 3,500 bags that touched down in Vancouver amid the holiday travel chaos have been returned to their rightful owners, while another 2,000 luggage items remain unclaimed as of Monday.
Vancouver Island
–
Long-serving pickleboat captain retiring from Victoria harbour after 19 years
After 19 years at the helm, Barry Hobbis is retiring from steering the passenger ferries in Victoria’s Inner Harbour.
–
As 2023 looms, new B.C.Premier David Eby lays out priorities for year ahead
In an extended interview with CTV News Vancouver Island, British Columbia’s 37th premier says he’s ready to tackle the challenges facing the province, starting with health care.
–
Man arrested after multiple women sprayed with ‘unknown chemical liquid’ in downtown Victoria
Police in Victoria have arrested a suspect after a series of assaults in the city’s downtown core where women reported having “an unknown liquid sprayed or splashed on their legs.”.
