Share some warmth with the kids
Annual program collects new or gently used coats for children
By Christina Myers
Staff Reporter

When the fall winds blow and the leaves come tumbling down, there's something particularly comforting about snuggling up in a big, cozy winter coat.

But for kids whose families can't afford a new jacket for the chillier weather, the season must only bring dread for the colder weather still ahead.

That's where Share the Warmth comes in.

The annual program, organized by the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House in partnership with the Metrotown Rotary, collects new or gently used coats for children from infancy to age 19 to distribute to those who need them.

This year, for the first time, the program is expanding to include all Burnaby schools, including secondary schools and organizers are hoping that Burnaby residents will take a look through their closets to find coats that aren't being used but are still in good shape.

Sarah Shaw, the director of children's services at South Burnaby Neighbourhood House, explains that there will be two special drop-off times this coming Friday and is urging people to donate what they can.

"We hand out coats for newborns all the way up to 19 years old, so really any size. We do often have trouble getting newborn pieces, and also we seem to have trouble getting coats for boys in the eight to 10 (years old) range," she said.

Last year, the program handed out 300 coats, and Shaw says this year, with the expansion into more schools, they will probably need many more.

She says the program helps fill an important need that may go unfilled by other support services.

"Part of why it started was that we found that a lot of families, around Christmas and in the winter, they could get assistance - toys and hampers - but if money is already tight, there's never enough money to gt a decent coat," she said.

With weather here ranging from rainy and miserable to the occasional snow and ice, a protective and warm winter jacket is crucial for kids.

"No child should have to go to school cold and without a coat," she said.

On Friday, donations can be dropped off, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the McGill library and from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Cameron library. The Burnaby Optimist Club will be providing warm soup during the drop-off events.

The Metrotown, Norburn and Eastburn Interagency committees are also involved in the organizing.

Those who have donations but can't make it to those drop-offs can also drop off coats at the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House. Financial donations, which will be used to purchase coats, are also welcome.

Shaw notes that they are encouraging families who may have gotten jackets last year to bring them back for an exchange if they need a larger one.

Students who need a jacket can register with their individual schools, and coats will be distributed in late November and early December.

For more information, call 604-431-0400.

cmyers@burnabynow.com