United Way Pembina Valley is putting out a call for donations of winter clothing for its annual Koats for Kids campaign.
The donation drive began Oct. 16 and goes until Nov. 8 before the Nov. 9 distribution day, and organizers are anticipating there will be a significant need again this year.
“Last year the demand for winter coats and winter gear went up quite dramatically in both Winkler and Morden,” said United Way board member Audrey Armstrong.
“It was kind of tough in that we actually had fewer donations that year for, I think, a variety of reasons … other programs and such … we ended up feeling like we turned a lot of people away, which was really unfortunate.”
The United Way is looking for all kinds of winter items for both kids and adults: jackets, snow pants, toques, mittens, scarves—anything that will help families in need stay warm in the months ahead. Both new and used items in good condition are welcome.
Red donation bins will be in place at three locations this year: at the Morden fire hall (194 Thornhill St. by the shed at the back of the building), Winkler fire hall (290 Pembina Ave. at the front of the building), and Central Station Community Centre (555 Main St.) in Winkler.
This year’s distribution night will be Thursday, Nov. 9 from 3-7 p.m. in Morden at the 500 Stephen Community Centre and in Winkler at Central Station. There is no charge for any of the clothing, so anyone who needs it is welcome to come pick something up. There will be items available for both children and adults.
“We are only having one distribution session. In past years we have had several distribution sessions over a couple of days,” noted Armstrong. “We made the change following our experience last year of being almost out of coats by the end of the first session.”
She said all indicators point to there being significant demand once again.
“This year, in talking with both of the community centres who are both well connected to the food banks, they’re saying they’ve seen a consistent rise in numbers. Sometimes it settles then maybe goes up a bit again.
“I think there’s an increase in people whose budgets are tight, and winter coats can be quite costly, especially if you’re trying to get them for a whole family,” Armstrong continued. “Because the economy’s been a little tough this last while, it’s getting more pay cheque to pay cheque, and it’s getting more challenging … and we also have newcomers coming in each year who are often not equipped for a Manitoba winter.
“Each year, the program’s been building, and unfortunately the need has been building as well, and that part of it is too bad, but I’m glad that United Way is able to be involved in stepping up to help meet some of that need,” said Armstrong. “So this year, we’re trying to push the donations a bit more, and hopefully we get a few more coats donated and get back to more like the numbers we had previously. We’ll see what happens with how many people come.
“I think people may see it a bit more. We’re just trying to get the word out a little bit more in both of the communities.”
