Making sure families are warm this winter thanks to the generosity of the community

Koats for Kids is back. Residents may have already noticed the boxes at different community venues. Each year, the Rotary Club of Whitecourt collects and distributes coats and winter accessories to those who need them most, ensuring children are warm through the winter. 

“Arni Stephenson originally started this project. He was a Rotarian and started it because he saw a need. Eventually, Rotary took it over. We’ve been doing it for a number of years now,” explained Holly Astill, Service Projects Coordinator for the Whitecourt Rotary Club.

Though it is called Koats for Kids, more than just coats are accepted in the donation boxes. Gently used or new, boots, hats, mitts, ski pants, and scarves go a long way to helping keep area youth warm through the colder months. When asked what tends to be lacking, Astill said that certain ages typically see fewer donations. “Often, we are missing things for the little babies like bunting bags or snowsuits. And sometimes we are also missing things for the older teenagers. Each year it seems to be different. We have a lot of girl boots that were donated last year, but they are all pink, so we would have a need for gender-neutral or boy boots. We always seem to need ski pants too. That’s an item that gets worn out very easily, so they are always something that we need, and in all sizes.”

Astill said that the Rotary Club is constantly overwhelmed by the community’s generosity. “As always, the community is very generous. We have numerous items that are always donated, and it’s a great project to ensure everyone stays warm for the winter.”

Distribution day is on Saturday, November 5, from 10 am until 1 pm at the Midtown Mall. “It is very fun to see little kids come in and get to pick a coat of their choice and enjoy it. I remember a little girl one year picked a sparkly coat, put it on, and then decided that she was going to be a princess because the coat was sparkly. It’s a really good feeling to know that they are getting coats. It’s a worry for parents, when times are tough, to be able to afford things and have something warm for their children. It’s such a great program for the community,” commented Astill.

For Rotary, one of their mandates is helping support families and children in the community. “Koats for Kids definitely lines up with that mandate. It is always the community that is such a huge supporter of Rotary. It comes full circle because the community gives things, and then that goes back to the community.”

Members of the Rotary Club of Whitecourt are always active in the community, popping up at all kinds of events. They recently did a food drive and a bake sale and have a youth exchange program on the horizon. “We also volunteer twice a month, once each at Twice is Nice and Repeat Boutique. We certainly try and keep everything community-minded and bring that support back to the community,” said Astill. As always, the club would love to have more members, and Astill said they welcome new folks to join at any time.

Residents wanting to help with the Koats for Kids initiative are encouraged to go through their closets and see what they could donate. Anything in great shape that is no longer being used would likely find a home at the event. Boxes can be found at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre, ATB Financial, BGC Whitecourt & District, CIBC, IGA, Hendrickson Black, No Frills, RBC, Scotia Bank, Scott Safety Centre, Servus Credit Union, and the Whitecourt & District Public Library.

Boxes will remain out in the community until Tuesday, November 1, when they will be picked up and delivered to Midtown Mall. From there, volunteers will sort everything based on size and prepare it for Saturday, November 5, when families will come and be fitted with new-to-them winter gear.

“We would like to say a big thank you to the businesses that always allow us to put the boxes in their businesses. We would also like to thank the Midtown Mall for allowing us to use space in there again and a big thank you to the community for their generosity,” said Astill. Residents needing more information are invited to call Sarah at 780-268-4363.