Sharing Warmth and Smiles

Coat drive 2015
by Alberta
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    There were a lot of smiles and thank you’s as Calgarians left The Centre of Hope and Barbara Mitchell Family Resource Centre this week in their new winter coats. This year’s 13th Annual Salvation Army Coat Drive at the Calgary Stampeders game on October 31 was another record breaker! Over 5,100 new and gently used coats were donated by Calgary Stampeders fans, Q107 listeners and Calgary schools. Those coats were distributed to people in need from November 16 to 18.

    “Thousands of men, women, and children in our city will stay warm this winter because of the generosity of those who contributed to the Coat Drive,” said Karen Livick, Executive Director of The Salvation Army’s Community Services Calgary. “And for many, we are not just giving them a coat. We are giving them the opportunity to work in an outdoor job. We give them peace of mind so they don’t have the financial burden of purchasing expensive winter clothing. Or we give their children the ability to play outside and enjoy the winter.”

    “We are so grateful to the Calgary Stampeders and Q107 radio for really getting behind the Coat Drive,”  stated Captain Pam Goodyear, Divisional Secretary for Public Relations and Development. “Drew Tate, Brandon Smith and the Stamps organization rally their fans and Q107’s Jeff and Sarah Show challenge their listeners and the result is a tremendous outpouring of support from the community. They are great partners and we couldn’t do it without them.”

    The coat distribution is like a shopping experience. Racks and racks of coats are on display and staff and volunteers are on hand to assist individuals with trying on and selecting just the right coat, ensuring that all Calgarians have warmth this winter.

    If you, or anyone you know is in need of a winter coat this year, please call our Community Support Services office for an appointment at 403-220-0432.