When winter’s chill settles across Canada, bringing biting winds and heavy snowfall, warmth becomes more than just a comfort—it becomes a necessity for survival.

For many, especially those facing homelessness or financial hardships, access to  warm clothing can be a daily struggle. Yet, amid this harsh season, a quiet, heartfelt movement has blossomed: “clothing forests.” These unique spaces turn ordinary public parks and wooded areas into open-air wardrobes, where  coats, sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, and even boots hang on branches, offering free warmth to anyone who needs it. This grassroots initiative, spreading across cities and towns, is a powerful testament to community kindness and collective care. What Are Clothing Forests?

 Clothing forests are simple yet profoundly impactful acts of generosity. Instead of the traditional donation drop-off points—bins, shelters, or charity centers—community members hang warm clothing on tree branches or loop items around trunks in accessible outdoor spaces.

Often accompanied by notes that say, “If you need it, it’s yours,” these clothing forests operate on trust and dignity, giving people in need…