Koats for Kids volunteers look to collect a lot ahead of the November 6 giveaway day at Midtown Mall

Since 1993, Koats for Kids has put jackets, toques, mittens, boots, scarves, and snow pants into the hands of children in need in the community. When Rotarian Arni Stephenson first put together the program, along with Bill Casemore from the Chamber of Commerce, he likely had no idea that upon his passing in 1994 that the event would carry his name forward as a legacy.

“Every year, we try and connect with his daughters and his grandchildren to make sure they have involvement. They often volunteer and are sometimes at the event and will do pictures where we can. It’s a very emotional thing for them that this project continues,” said Michelle Robinson, chairperson for the Koats for Kids event. As a Rotarian, Robinson has been involved for years. “I’ve got many hats in my world, and one of them is just making sure that people are connected to the supports they need. I feel like Koats for Kids is a natural fit because kids need those tools to be successful in their everyday life.”

Though numbers are a bit down, Robinson said living in a generous and abundant community means a lot of support. “We make sure that those donations get into the right hands and make sure the event itself speaks to the legacy that was intended when Arni Stephenson turned it over to the Rotary Club in 1998.”

With cold winters in Alberta, having the right gear isn’t just handy. It’s critical. “Will I be able to play outside and enjoy it? Will I get to go to school? Parents worry, and children worry and being able to take that off their plate is important.” For Robinson, it’s a family event. “My children are a part of it. My daughter is ten, and this is her sixth year doing it. She’s always been a mitten giver. When people come, she’s like, ok, you’ve got a coat, do you want mittens? We are teaching our youth that they have that stewardship piece in the community. Even something as small as a mitten can warm someone’s hands and their heart, and it gets them going and gives them the ability to play all winter long.”

Speaking of youth, there is a new dream team on board to help with donations this year. The HSL (Hockey Super League) in Whitecourt had their own event in the works to provide coats for families. “We approached them and told them that we were doing the Koats for Kids event, and now we are doing this together,” said Robinson.

Joel Cote, Whitecourt Director of the EHA Wolverines, said the new team is trying to get their name out there by doing things for the community. “We want to attract people to Whitecourt and help give Whitecourt a good name. They reached out to us and told me this was something they started way back in the day and that everything stays in Whitecourt and the rural community. We really liked the idea.” Players will be helping sort in the days leading up to the event.

“I’m excited,” said Robinson. “I think anytime there are people in Whitecourt who want to do good, you’ll find them. When it’s youth, it’s that much better because it sets the tone for the next generation.” For Arni’s daughters, Kathy Johnson and Kelly Romanchuk, the addition of the young hockey players was the cherry on top. “I think it’s great! The more, the merrier! It gets everybody involved together, and that’s awesome,” said Romanchuk. “I think our Dad would be very happy with it. Every little bit of warm clothing helps,” smiled Johnson. 

Donations will be sorted on November 4 and 5 and handed out on November 6 at Midtown Mall from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Boxes to drop off donations can be found at ten locations in Whitecourt. The AJMC, ATB Financial, Boys & Girls Club of Whitecourt & District, CIBC, IGA, Hendrickson Black, K & C Graphics, Royal Bank, Servus Credit Union, and the Whitecourt and District Public Library all have spots awaiting donations.

Though donations are down a bit, Robinson said they’ve never had a year where they didn’t have enough. “We’ve never not been able to give a coat to a kid that needed it. We take adult coats and all the supporting gear like snow pants, mitts, boots, toques. We do our best to sift through and make sure that everything is in good condition. If it needs to be washed or mended, we do that. Then we get it sized and sorted so that when people come on November 6, we have a really easy way of navigating through and getting what they need,” explained Robinson.

As for a cut-off date for donations, Robinson said there technically isn’t one. “We’ve had people bringing their bags the day of. It’s not ideal, but we gladly accept it. The community has always been so good. They throw it in the box, and the worst thing that will happen is that it ends up at the Repeat Boutique or Twice as Nice anyway as that’s where we divide up and send what’s left.”

Robinson assures there is no proof of residency or proof of need required. “We take it under good faith that if you’ve arrived and you’re asking for items, that you need them, and we will help you. It’s ideal if the people who need them are present, but we recognize that sometimes we have parents that are picking up for multiple children, so we respect that if they take it, they need it.” No questions asked. “I always like to make sure that people are aware that we do this every year not only to fill a year but also to keep Arni’s memory alive as someone who kept that service and passion alive in our community,” smiled Robinson. For more information, contact Michelle Robinson at 780-706-0743.