Business Owner Launches ‘Warming Wall’ To Give Back

An uptown Saint John business owner is once again giving back to the community in a unique way.

Jill Laskey, who owns The Blue Pelican Bath & Body, originally launched the “Warming Wall” last winter.

Laskey said she wanted to thank those who had supported her business since opening in the City Market in early 2021.

“Last Christmas, a lot of people came out and were really making an effort to purchase local and I really felt a lot of love from the city,” Laskey said in an interview.

“One of the things that I wanted to do was to give back to the city in general and thank Saint John for a wonderful experience in opening my business here.”

That is when Laskey came up with the idea of the Warming Wall, which is located just outside of her market stall.

It has a variety of free items to help people stay warm in the winter, such as hats, mitts, scarves, and even sweaters.

“There’s no reason why anybody should ever be cold in this city,” said Laskey, who moved to Darlings Island from Ontario in late 2020.

Laskey crocheted many of the items on the wall while others have been donated by community members.

The business owner said she enjoys being able to help people pick out matching items “so they can feel good about what they’re wearing.”

Many people feel some shame when accepting donations, said Laskey, so she made the Warming Wall as accessible as possible.

“Whether the store is open or closed, if the market is open, you can come in and just help yourself. There’s no limit to how much you can take, so whatever you need, take it.”

Laskey said they are accepting donations of warm clothing to add to the wall over the coming weeks.

It will be open throughout the month of January. Laskey will then donate any leftover items to charity.