The United Way of Winnipeg’s annual Koats for Kids campaign is seeing empty shelves and hangers as demand for gently used children’s outwear is piling up.
“It’s the first week of December and already, we’ve received 970 orders — 350 more than we filled the entire season last year,” said Donna Albak, United Way’s Koats for Kids manager on Monday. “Right now, we have nearly 1000 kids waiting for coats and absolutely no inventory.”
The increased demand this year is due to evacuated families who have been displaced by flooding in northern Manitoba.
Donations can be made at any Winnipeg Fire Paramedic station, or Perth’s location. Larger donations may be dropped off at AMJ Campbell Van Lines at 12-1333 Niakwa Road, Monday to Friday between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Any schools or workplaces wishing to organize their own coat drive can call the United Way’s Melissa Campbell at (204) 924-4273 or e-mail mcampbell@UnitedWayWinnipeg.mb.ca.
