Looking out for each other core to Holland College's winter clothing drive, students say

It started snowing on P.E.I. this past week, and that means some students are learning just how frosty the Island can be.

Eddie Childs, president of the Holland College Student Union, said the school has a lot of international students who will be experiencing their first winter in Canada.

"Everyone in the world knows us for our winters, but when you get here the rubber really meets the road and you realize that you need a little bit more than a light jacket," Childs said.

To help students get through a harsh P.E.I. winter, the student union is collecting donations ahead of its annual winter clothing swap, because items flew off the shelves last year.

Childs said he thinks this is due to both the changing demographics on the Island and a greater need for winter clothes.

"Like everything else, the cost of good winter gear has gone up too," he said.

Childs also acknowledged the financial pressures faced by many students who attend Holland College, some of whom have family travel to P.E.I. with them and will require winter clothing for them too.

"We're looking for gently used clothing items for adults and kids," he said.

Chrystil Baytos is a second-year Holland College student from the Philippines who saw real snow for the first time last year.

She said it was amazing. She still gets excited every time there's a snowfall — though she's not a fan of the slush.

Last year Baytos recruited friends to help set up the winter clothing drive. That's where most of her own winter clothing came from.

"It's nice to see how people work together," she said. "People help each other out."

At last year's drive, Baytos also received tips on how to brave the harsh cold. This year, she offered some advice of her own to students facing their first Canadian winter.

"Work in layers, that's the best advice that I got," said Baytos. She also cautioned against buying winter clothes based on style rather than substance.