It is a fact of life, in winter in northern Alberta, it is going to be cold — at times extremely cold. It is also an unfortunate fact that in Barrhead there are going to be people who through no fault of their own will not have the proper winter attire to deal with the frigid temperatures.
That is where Coats for Kids comes in.
The program pairs gently-used winter outerwear such as coats and ski pants with people in need.
Barrhead Cleaners owner Lane Lee collects and cleans the apparel before giving them to Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services (FCSS) who distributes them to those in need.
“It was Al Blackmere’s [former publisher of the Barrhead Leader] idea,” he said. “Al noticed that there were a lot of children in the community who didn’t seem to have proper winter gear and 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.
As the initiative grew, it quickly became evident that a new system was needed.
Initially, the program started small. People would drop off their gently used winter attire to Lane, where he would clean them and in some cases, make minor repairs to the garments.
However, as demand and generosity of Barrhead area residents grew beyond his ability to store and distribute the apparel.
That is when Lane decided to ask FCSS if they would take on distribution duties.
“It was just a better fit,” he said. “Not only does FCSS have more room, but it is often the first place people go when they are in need.”
FCSS community development volunteer co-ordinator Ros Rudd said while getting a used coat or a pair of ski pants might not sound like much to most people, but it can make all the difference to someone without proper winter wear.
“It is a necessity in our climate,” she said, noting people do not have the luxury of staying inside. “They have to go outside and be able to participate in activities and enjoy winter.”
She also noted that the need seems to on the rise. In 2016, FCSS distributed 38 coats, in 2017 the number rose to 52 and last year it was Rudd said the number was about 60.
Fortunately, both Lee and Rodd said so far they have always been able to meet the demand.
“People are very generous,” Lee said, adding on average he cleans about 150 coats a year.
Lee added that while the program is primarily for children from newborns to late teens, all sizes of apparel are accepted.
“Which is great because you never know how many people will come in or what sizes you will need, especially for children. Sometimes because of a growth spurt, a child may find themselves needing more than one coat,” he said, adding he never turns an item away. “If it unserviceable, we will find another use for it, such as bringing them to the Bissell Centre or Mustard Seed in Edmonton.”
As for how long Lane plans to continue the program.
“I always say I will keep going as long as the need is there, so I am hoping this year will be the last,” he said.
Anyone interested in donating winter outerwear for Coats For Kids can drop off their donations at Barrhead Cleaners, 5013-51 Street during regular business hours. 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 to make major repairs. Servus Credit Union, 4929 50 Avenue, is also taking donations.
Winter wear will be collected from Oct. 15 to 29 at Barrhead Cleaners.
Coat distribution will begin on Nov. 2nd at the Barrhead and District FCSS building at 5115-45 St.
