Small Efforts Make Big Change

On my last trip to Winnipeg I dropped off a box of seven coats for the awesome organization Koats for Kids (partnering with the United Way of Winnipeg). It was perfect: I wanted to downsize, they needed the coats. Win, win.

I was just perusing their site to see how the annual campaign went and HECK YA, this is what I saw:

"In early December, a flurry of orders arrived with the first signs of snow and colder temperatures," said Donna Albak, Koats for Kids manager. "We had absolutely no inventory and more than 1000 kids waiting for outerwear. We desperately needed donations."

Winnipeggers responded with outstanding generosity:

• More than 40 schools, businesses, community groups and sports teams held coat drives. (These are the ones we know about for sure - there are likely more) This includes the Province of Manitoba, which collected donations at its annual open house. 
• Several people and businesses donated cash - a total of $9000! This includes the Derksen group of companies, who donated $5500. 
• The Knights of Columbus, Valu Lots, Winnipeg Blue Bombers, Gateway Bookbinding, K& K Manufacturing and Columbia Sportswear all donated brand new coats. 
• Even people from outside the city wore their hearts on the sleeves of donated outerwear, including Gillam School (who had help from Gardewine North to transport donations). Others were mailed all the way from New Jersey and New York

..."Thanks to everyone who stepped up, Koats for Kids was able to fill every single request for outerwear made prior to the holidays, giving that many more kids an opportunity to create lasting memories during the winter break from school."

I'm proud of Winnipeg and also oh so proud that a few of my clients were the ones mentioned on this article.