Lyttle girl shows big heart with Koats gesture

October 24, 2008 | Community News | Archive 2008

Heroes come in all sizes.

Hannah Lyttle (left) and sister Katy proudly show off Hannah’s recent birthday bounty collected on behalf of Koats for Kids

Invitations to Hannah's October pajama party included a Koats for Kids brochure and a request for friends to bring donations of children's winter outerwear instead of gifts.

"I like doing this because it's fun for me and it helps other people," Hannah told CityTV, who aired her story on October 22, citing Hannah as a CityHero for generosity beyond her years.

Friends responded enthusiastically and Hannah was able to collect a total of 16 coats and 18 other articles of winter clothing including hats and mittens.

Mom Ida Smith is extremely proud of her daughter's extraordinary altruism and the example it sets for other young people. "It gives them a sense of power - about being able to do something about big problems. One line in a birthday invitation and you end up with 16 coats, and 16 kids who are going to be warm this winter."

Hannah learned about United Way's Koats for Kids program at Ecole Varennes where she is a grade three student. She said she doesn't miss the presents and would encourage other kids to do the same.

This year marks the 20th anniversary of Koats for Kids which collects and distributes new and gently used winter outerwear, free of charge to Winnipeg children and their families. Since 1989, 120 000 articles of winter clothing have been distributed throughout the city. Koats for Kids is a partnership between United Way, CTV, the Winnipeg Sun, 1290 CFRW, United Way agency partner Oyate Tipi, Perth's, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and AMJ Campbell Van Lines.

Individual donations of coats, scarves, mitts, hats, boots or ski pants can be dropped off at any Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station, Perth's location or AMJ Campbell Van Lines office on Niakwa Road across from the Mint. For larger donations, including school and workplace coat drives, please call 586-KOAT (5628) or email: koatsforkids[at]shaw.ca to arrange for a pickup or drop-off.

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