Reflective insulation kits warm Sudbury’s unsheltered

A Sudbury construction contractor created portable kits that use reflective insulation to prevent frostbite for people living in tents.

A Greater Sudbury-area construction company along with the help of volunteers and the generosity of area businesses is making warm kits to be distributed to people living outdoors in tents.

They are made from reflective insulation and are designed to help prevent frostbite.

Stephanie Rees is head contractor with S P Paris Construction and came up with the concept of the warming kits after visiting an encampment site and talking with people living in tents.

“I visited the encampment and was trying to figure out why there was so much frostbite,” said Rees.

“I noticed that none of the tents were ventilated and that they didn’t have a thermal break on the ground”

There are two kits made from reflective insulation one for a tent and another to put in boots and hats.

“Reflective insulation can be used a thermal break. So that it keeps the cold downward and reflects back to the user,” said Rees.

The kits are being distributed free of charge at the warming centre at Energy Court and by outreach teams throughout the city.

“It’s creating a barrier between the ground and the individual inside the tent. So we are hoping it does prevent cases of frostbite in extreme cold,” said Ali Farooq, the Go-Give Project’s executive director. The project runs the city’s warming centre.

Rees told CTV News that she tried out the reflective boot insoles.

“I actually took a walk -43 (at) 1:30 in the morning and I had one insole in one boot and none in the other and that was two days ago. My left foot was unaffected – it kept warm – and my right foot still hurts,” she said.

Rees said many area businesses have generously donated reflective insulation to the Go-Give Project to support making more kits.

“I would even encourage school children as a class to make them for their community,” said Rees.

Rees said she has received inquiries about the kits from towns and cities across the province and she is gladly sharing the concept and how to make the kits.

Those interested can send inquiries by email to [e-mail].