The Salvation Army Ottawa Booth Centre men's shelter has received a generous donation of warm clothing from the Ottawa community in February, thanks to an army of snowmen.

More than 15 large, industrial-size garbage bags filled with hats, mitts, gloves, scarves, coats and boots were donated through the Cracking Up the Capital World Record Snowman event.

The comedy festival kick-off event, which saw more than 1,100 people gather to build 1,299 snowmen in an hour, setting a new world record, brought funds and awareness to mental health charities and community groups in Ottawa.

Pablo Coffey, Cracking Up the Capital committee member, came up with the idea to invite the public to donate the warm clothing used to decorate snowmen to The Salvation Army.

“What I like about The Salvation Army is that it's family-oriented and supports both children and adults through their various programs,” he says. “There are families in Ottawa struggling after the loss of income and I'm glad that we had an opportunity to help.”

Brown's Cleaners City Centre location offered up their services to help clean and dry all the donated clothing.  “I believe in the work of The Salvation Army and I especially like their outreach services program, which supports the homeless,” says owner Brian McGregor.

“We are so grateful to this city for their generous donations which will help those in need through the cold winter months,” says Sean Maddox, director of public relations and development in Ottawa.

The Salvation Army was among many community organizations who registered a team to help build snowmen and break the world record.

“It was a historical day with regard to building snowmen,” says Maddox, “but I'll remember it most as a day where this community came together in support of local initiatives.”

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