t is a fact of life.
Winters in Northern Alberta are cold, often extremely cold. Another unfortunate fact is that there will be children, through no fault of their own, that do not have the proper winter outerwear, namely a good winter coat.
That is where Kids for Coats comes in.
From Oct. 12-26, Barrhead Cleaners is collecting winter jackets, ski pants and toques, mittens and other assorted winterwear. Barrhead and District Family Support Services will then redistribute the clothing to area families in need.
Barrhead Cleaners owner Lane Lee started the program, which is entering its 32nd year, along with former Barrhead Leader publisher Al Blackmere.
"It was Al that noticed the problem, that many children in the community did not seem to have the proper winter wear," Lee said." He asked me if I would be willing to collect, clean and help distribute the coats to needy families."
In turn, Blackmere would ensure the word got out about the initiative. As time progressed, other sponsors stepped forward to help cover the costs of the cleaning, such as long-time sponsor Servus Credit Union.
"When we started, and for the first few years, we called the program 'Keep Kids Warm', because that was the whole purpose of the program. Eventually, they changed the name to the more recognised moniker ‘Coats for Kids.’
It wasn't the only change they made. It did not take Lee, who had only been in business for three years, to realize that he needed a better way to distribute the outerwear, and that is when he asked FCSS to distribute the items.
Last year, FCSS distributed outerwear to 24 families, handing out 65 winter jackets and 30 pairs of ski pants and filling upwards of 60 requests for mittens, toques and scarves.
Asked if there are any particular sizes or ages that are more difficult to fill, both Lee and FCSS volunteer coordinator Trisha Enman said it varies, as does the need from year to year. That is why they hope to get a wide range of sizes from infant right up to larger adult sizes.
All donations should be in good condition because, although Barrhead Cleaners launders all the items and can make small repairs to the clothing, they do not have the time or ability to make more substantial repairs.
Lee is quick to point out however, that no donation is turned away, saying any surplus items or items that are unserviceable find a good home, whether that is with another local organization or one in Edmonton such as the Bissell Centre or Mustard Seed.
Pickups will start at FCSS at their new downtown Barrhead location (at the corner of 51st St. and 51st Ave.), starting from Nov. 1 and running through Dec. 2. People are required to register for the program via phone starting Oct. 19, and they will be given an appointment time.
As part of the registration process, Enman said, people will be asked questions on ages, sizes and items required so that FCSS staff can preselect potential selections streamlining the process and protecting clients' privacy.
And as for how long Lee plans to continue, he said as long as FCSS believes there will be a need.
"I always said I would continue as long as there is a need, and unfortunately, it doesn't look like the end is in sight just yet."
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