Koats for Kids celebrates new season, new home

October 29, 2009 | Community News | Archive 2009

The 21st season of United Way of Winnipeg's Koats for Kids program is heating up!

Thank you to volunteers from Investors Group, Ceridian, and Charleswood School who helped transform our new Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre - generously provided by the City of Winnipeg

"For a kid, a coat is much more than just a piece of clothing," said CTV's Sylvia Kuzyk, who hosted the launch alongside fellow Koats for Kids spokespeople Laurie Mustard and Don Percy. "It's a chance to build friendships while building a snow fort. It's the difference between watching through a window and being there among your friends - just being a kid."

As part of United Way's commitment to helping children and youth achieve their potential, Koats for Kids has been warming kids up for success in school and life since 1989. In that time, more than 136 000 articles of new and gently used winter outerwear have been collected and distributed free of charge to thousands of Winnipeg children and their families.

With space generously provided by the City of Winnipeg, the new Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre allows plenty of room for more Winnipeggers to get involved and help expand the program. Already, volunteers from Investors Group and Ceridian have each participated in a Day of Caring to get the Centre up and running. Many were on hand for the ceremony along with students from Charleswood School who recently held their own clothing drive and stayed to help sort donations following the launch.

Koats for Kids is a partnership between United Way of Winnipeg, CTV, Winnipeg Sun, 1290 CFRW, Perth's, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service and AMJ Campbell Van Lines.

With the forecast calling for another cold winter - and in light of economic uncertainty over the past year - more Winnipeg families than ever need help keeping their children warm and safe this season. Koats for Kids is counting on Winnipeggers generosity to help thousands of Winnipeg children weather this winter in warmth and comfort.

United Way would like to thank our partners, volunteers and everyone who has helped make Koats for Kids a valuable resource in our community. View a slideshow from the event.

Find out how you can get involved!

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