WINNIPEGGERS HOT ON THE CASE FOR KOATS FOR KIDS

Just days after issuing a city-wide appeal to fill a shortage at Koats for Kids, Winnipeggers and people from as far away as New York City have already made it possible for nearly 1000 children in our city to gear up for winter.

People have beaten a path to the Koats for Kids' volunteer centre with armloads of gently-used coats, ski pants, boots, mittens, scarves and hats. We've also received new items from companies like K&K Manufacturing, who donated 200 brand new jackets.

A number of workplaces and schools have leapt into action by organizing coat drives. Still others are opting to donate cash; including $5500 from the Derksen Group.

Although not surprising - this is Winnipeg, after all - the response has been incredible. Thank you to everyone who is helping ensure kids in our community can make it to school safe, warm and ready to learn.

Despite the fact that we've been able to meet current demand, we know from experience that the need for warm children's outerwear is ongoing, and won't likely end until winter ends, only to begin again in the fall. We urge anyone with donations to deliver these to any Perth's location or Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station throughout the city.

Larger donations may be dropped off at AMJ Campbell Van Lines at 12-1333 Niakwa Road, Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm.

For assistance arranging a coat drive at your school or workplace, call Melissa Campbell, United Way's Day of Caring manager, at 924-4273 or email mcampbell[at]UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca

• Jackets and skipants for both boys and girls in sizes 5 to 10.
• Volunteers to help sort donations and fill orders.

For more information call Donna Albak at 586-KOAT (5628) or email Koats[at]UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca.

Since 1989, Koats for Kids has collected and distributed more than 145 000 coats, ski pants, hats, scarves, mittens and boots to thousands of families throughout the city.

Koats for Kids is a partnership between United Way of Winnipeg, CTV, Winnipeg Sun, 99.9 BOB FM, Fab 94.3 FM, Perth's, Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service, AMJ Campbell Van Lines and Modular Storage Systems.

Q. When does the program start and finish?

A. Koats for Kids is a seasonal program that runs from September through February.

Q. How many requests does the program receive each year?

A. On average, we receive requests for approximately 10,000 pieces of winter outerwear each year.

Q. How long will it take for my order to be filled?

A. The earlier you place your order, the more quickly we’ll be able to fill it. Orders placed in late November and into December may take 2-3 weeks to fill.

Q. Can I volunteer for Koats for Kids?

A. Yes, we are always looking for people to help out at the Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre. To volunteer please contact Donna Albak at 586-5628 or email Koats[at]UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca

Q. I would like to organize a coat drive at my school or workplace. How do I get started?

A. Thank you! Please call Melissa Campbell at 924-4273 for information.

Q. Can I donate items other than coats?

A. Yes, we are also looking for donations of ski pants, hats, scarves, mittens and boots only.

Q. Do you accept larger sizes?

A. We accept all sizes of winter outerwear for infants and children. The largest size we will accept is a size 16 or youth large. Our highest demand is for boys and girls sizes 5-14.

Q. Our school/community group has completed a coat drive. Where can we drop off larger donations?

A. Please drop off larger donations at AMJ Campbell Van Lines at 12-1333 Niakwa Road, Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 4:00pm. Make sure to let us know about your coat drive so we can thank you properly!

Q. Where can I drop off my donation?

A. Donations of good quality winter outerwear can be dropped off at any Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Station or Perth's location.

Q. How can I obtain winter outerwear for my children through the Koats for Kids program?

A. We coordinate distribution through elementary schools, daycares and United Way agency partners throughout Winnipeg. Please check with your child's school or daycare, or call 586 KOAT(5628).
If you work or volunteer with an elementary school, daycare or social service agency, and you want to order coats on behalf of the children and families you connect with, please click here.

Q. Can I go straight to the Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre to collect my coat(s)?

A. The Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre is for sorting and cleaning. Winter outerwear can be collected from participating schools, daycares and agency partners. Visit the United Way for a list of all our agency partners.

Q. What if the coats aren't clean?

A. We ask that donations of winter outerwear be clean, gently used and in good condition. Zippers must be in working order. Outerwear in need of dry cleaning will be taken to Perth's.

Q. Where is the clothing stored?

A. Winter outerwear is stored at United Way's Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre, located at 3172 Portage Ave. A special thanks to the City of Winnipeg for leasing space to United Way for just $1 per year.

Q. What is United Way's role in the program?

A. As part of United Way's commitment to helping children and youth achieve their potential, Koats for Kids is designed to warm kids up for success in school and life. Each year, United Way brings together the partners, volunteers and resources required to coordinate and promote the program. We also provide funding to staff the Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre for approximately 25 weeks.

Q. How can I obtain winter outerwear for my children through the Koats for Kids program?

A. Distribution is coordinated through elementary schools, daycares and United Way agency partners throughout Winnipeg.