Coats for Kids launches Monday

With the recent run of wet weather and winter just around the corner, it’s once again time for the annual Coats for Kids Campaign.

Members of the Greater Vancouver Homebuilders’ Association have been collecting new and lightly used coats for 21 years in support of the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas bureaus, serving families in need.

Coats for Kids creates a chain reaction. The campaign does more than keep a child warm. I estimate every coat donated also warms the hearts of many people along the way.

Donations of lightly used and new coats for children and teens are collected by our association members at 62 locations across 13 Metro Vancouver municipalities.

Many members, to prepare for donations, have employee coat drives too. Our members often talk about how Coats for Kids connects them with their staff and the communities where they work and live. In essence, the coats connect people and spread the good feeling one gets when contributing to a worthy cause.

Time and again, I hear from members about how fun it is to be part of the campaign and about the great people they meet.

One member said: “As we get ready for the drop-offs, you can literally feel the energy lift in the office, plus we get to meet some great people too. We actually see lots of repeat donors, year on year.”

The campaign runs from Monday to Dec. 1. On Dec. 2, our members head to the Christmas bureaus to drop off all the donations.

Last year, more than 3,000 coats, scarves, hats, gloves and new unwrapped toys were donated.

“This year in particular, we are seeing more demand with the increase in refugees, and migration of workers and their families from Alberta,” said Vancouver Christmas Bureau executive director Chris Bayliss, noting all those in need provide income statements and proof of residency.

“The needs are real and clothing is often overlooked. People think of toys and food around this time of year, but keeping kids warm is an essential need for every parent, too, especially during the colder winter months,” he said. “Watching the relief on a parent’s face who finds a size-appropriate coat for their child is a good feeling.”

The simple act of donating a coat and sharing in the kindness along the way to keep a child warm is a chain reaction worth spreading. I encourage you to grab some coats no longer being used and to go to gvhba.org/events/CoatsForKids to find a drop-off location near you.

Remember, even though some teens fit adult sizing, the coats need to appeal their age group. (Hoodies are always popular).

Buying new items for donations is also an option, along with donating scarves, hats, gloves, and new unwrapped toys.

Hockey sticks, soccer balls, basketballs and art supplies are always a hit.

Bob de Wit is CEO of the Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association. Email bob@gvhba.org