Koats for Kids is underway!

October 16, 2007 | Community News | Archive 2007

Entering its 19th year, United Way's Koats for Kids program has distributed 100,000 articles of clothing to Winnipeg families so far. This year, the need is as great as ever.

United Way partner organization Oyate Tipi Cumini Yape, operation central for the program, hosted this year's launch on October 15th and is preparing for the surge in donations and demand that typically follows.

"Those donations set a great cycle of change in motion and it's not just the recipients of the clothing that benefit," said Scott Sanders, United Way of Winnipeg's Board of Trustees Chair.

Under the guidance of Program Coordinator Angela Nolin, a group of volunteers assist in the receipt, cleaning, repair and re-distribution of coats, mitts, boots, hats and ski-pants to Winnipeg families as part of a pre-employment training program supported by United Way.

"It's about being welcome somewhere and building self-esteem and job skills. You can't move forward unless you have these," says Nolin. She remembers donating coats through a school drive and years later utilized the program for her own children. Nolin volunteered with Koats and eagerly accepted the Coordinator position in 2006. Having seen the program from every angle, she speaks with complete confidence about its impact.
"It's one program you just can't feel bad about. It's 100 per cent awesome."

Individual donations can be made to any Perth's location or Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service station.

For large donations, or to order articles of clothing, please call 586-KOAT or email koatsforkids[at]shaw.ca.

A message to Winnipeg about United Way's campaign Janury 5, 2012