BARRHEAD – Winter in northern Alberta is unforgiving. More than that, it can be outright dangerous for those who do not have the proper outerwear for the elements.
This is why Lane Lee and Barrhead Cleaners, the Barrhead Leader, Servus Credit Union, and the Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services (FCSS) teamed up 33 years ago to create the Coats For Kids program.
About four years ago, Lane and his son Aaron expanded their business, purchasing Westlock Drycleaners and Workwear, and augmented an existing program, Coats for Kids and Families, run by the Westlock and District FCSS.
Barrhead Cleaners owner Lane Lee started the program with 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," Lane 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.
Initially, the program was called "Keep Kids Warm", but quickly was rebranded to the more familiar "Coats for Kids".
From Oct. 10 to 24, Barrhead Cleaners (5013-51st Street) and its companion business in Westlock (10115-104th Avenue) are collecting donations of gently worn and in good repair, winter jackets, ski pants and other assorted winterwear such as toques, mittens and scarves for everyone from infants to adults. People can also drop off their donations at the Barrhead Servus Credit Union (4929-50th Avenue) and at the Westlock FCSS. The FCSSes will then redistribute them to people in need. In Barrhead (5103-51st Street), pickup is on Thursdays and Fridays from Oct. 24 to Nov. 17. Appointments are suggested.
In Westlock (10007-100th Avenue), pickups also begin on Oct. 24, but pickup dates are not limited to certain days, and appointments are not necessary.
However, Westlock FCSS Tracey Prolulx said, like Barrhead, appointments are appreciated.
"That way, our staff can look to see if we have the appropriate sizes," she said.
The phone numbers for the Barrhead and Westlock FCSSes are 780-674-3341 and 780- 49-5900, respectively.
Unfortunately, on occasion, Prolulx said they do not have the right sizes for a family, and the FCSS has to make an appeal for help through its social media channels.
She added that because the weather is so unpredictable and people's circumstances change, such as new families moving into the area, the Westlock FCSS makes their winter outerwear available all fall and winter.
On average, Prolulx said 30-40 people pick up coats or ski pants each year, with several more picking up accessory items such as toques, gloves and winter footwear, while in Barrhead, the number of people who take advantage of the program also varies, but typically ranges from 25 to 40 families.
The Lees reiterated that they request that all the donations be in good repair as they do not have the time or ability to do alterations.
But having said that, they said they never turn away a donation, noting that they will ensure that 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.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
