The giving clothesline

For the last few winters, Paula Ross has been taking blankets to the homeless population in Saint John. But the Charlotte County resident knew the needs in her own communities were also pressing.

“We really need something here,” she said. “St. George, St. Andrews — it hits close to home.”

So she contacted the mayor of St. Andrews, Brad Henderson, with an idea: a clothesline holding plastic zipper bags with items that could help marginalized and needy people cope with winter.

The mayor thought it was a great idea, but the question then became location. He suggested she contact Archdeacon John Matheson, rector of the Parish of St. Andrews. 

Approvals in order, the clothesline is now installed on the lawn between the parish hall and All Saints Anglican Church on King Street, just a block from busy Water Street where everyone who needs something can easily access it.

“Single parents, community college students, exchange students, seniors — it’s there for everyone,” she said. 

She started with hats, mittens, scarves and hand warmers, adding empty bags and clothespins so that anyone with donations could hang them on the line. The bags are important because they keep everything dry, she said.

The clothesline is accessible 24 hours a day, and if people want anonymity, they need only wait until supper time when it gets dark.

Within the first few days of the clothesline being installed, she noticed someone pinned a jacket, thought John agrees larger items can be stored in the hall to keep them out of the weather. She also noticed someone had bagged and pinned a woman’s shirt, hand towels and a blanket.

Paula’s husband works for the Town of St. Andrews, so he’s out and about and gives her an early morning report on what’s been taken and what’s appeared so she can keep track.

It’s clear others have already joined her efforts to make the winter season a bit more bearable for those least able to afford it.

“As soon as there’s an empty spot, it’s filled,” she said. “The word is getting out. It’s gone a bit crazy.”

CHCO TV and CTV have already visited to broadcast stories about the clothesline.

Since the debut of the St. Andrews clothesline, Paula has gotten permission for and has installed a second one, this time in community garden in St. George.

“It began with me asking, ‘how can I help somebody?’” she said. “If you need it, then take it, and if you can donate it, donate it. Everything, everyone can make a difference.”