Cameron Murray, inspired by his late brother Shelby, is using GoFundMe to raise money to purchase jackets and socks for Vancouver’s homeless

Paul Valencia
Clark County Today

More than 100 jackets were expected to be delivered this week.

Early next week, more jackets will be on the way.

Cameron Murray of Vancouver is buying jackets, and socks, for the homeless, and he is inviting any and all who have the means to help him in his endeavor.

Murray set up a GoFundMe account which he said he will leave open through the end of 2025. To read the page and to donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/warm-jackets-for-our-homeless-neighbors

He wants to hand out as many coats to the homeless in the Vancouver community as he can in the coming weeks.

Murray was inspired by the loss of his brother Shelby, who experienced troubled times for years.

“When you have someone who is struggling with addiction, your hands are tied as to what you can do and how you can help,” Cameron said. 

Small things such as jackets, coats, socks, anything to help keep him warm, were not, after all, small things. Those items can make a huge difference.

In honor of his brother, Cameron came up with the goal of buying 200 jackets for this winter.

He already raised enough money to hit that goal.

Now?

“I’d love to hit 300,” he said. 

Cameron explained a bit more on the GoFundMe page.

“As we enter into the coldest parts of winter over the next few weeks and months following, staying warm and dry will be crucial for their health and safety,” he wrote.

“This is an incredibly personal subject for me as my brother was homeless for nearly 20 years and I was constantly wondering: Is he safe? Is he warm? Is he dry?”

As of the morning  of Friday, Dec. 19, 100 people had donated, adding up to more than $5,100.

No matter how much money is raised, it will go to buying warm clothing for the homeless.

“I’ll keep buying them. We have no shortage of pain and sorrow in the Northwest,” Murray said.

“This project/campaign is a way to honor (Shelby’s) life and restore some sense of warmth and dignity to those on the streets.”