The Canora Homecraft 4-H Club has begun its Coats for Kids campaign to help out children in Canora and the surrounding area who don’t have warm clothing to wear this coming winter.
Maureen Babb, Canora Homecraft 4-H Club sewing leader, said the project is in keeping with the 4-H motto of putting our “hands to larger service” and supporting the community.
“We all know how cold Saskatchewan winters can be,” said Babb, “and some children don’t have the winter coats and other items needed to deal with the cold.”
Babb said this is the time of year when many families are cleaning out their closets as the temperatures get colder and determining what to do with last year’s winter gear.
“But instead of throwing out those coats that don’t fit your children any more, why not repurpose them to others who are in need?” encouraged Babb. “And if you have winter boots, mittens, toques, ski pants, scarves or any other warm clothes that your kids have outgrown, we welcome those as well.”
Donated clothing items don’t necessarily have to be in like-new condition. Babb explained that all donations will be carefully examined, cleaned and any necessary repairs will be made by the club’s sewing group.
“Our members have already replaced numerous jacket sliders and also fixed several pockets,” she said. “In addition to helping needy children, our members are getting some valuable experience in repairing winter clothing.”
Babb will then have the items available for pickup, free of charge, at the Canora Public Library during regular business hours.
The Coats for Kids campaign is being directly supported by the Canora Red Apple store, which will be offering a coupon for 15 per cent off on purchases of $15 or more to those who make donations to the campaign, valid for one month after the donation.
The used winter clothing donations are being accepted in collection bins at the Canora Sewing Shop, the Red Apple Store, the Canora Public Library and the Canora Town Office.
Babb said donations have already been submitted of various sizes of winter coats, ski pants, boots, mittens, scarves and toques.
“We’ve also been receiving some homemade knitted toques, which have been very popular items for needy children,” reported Babb.
She said through this project, club members are learning that giving is fun.
“A number of different businesses and individuals have supported the Canora Homecraft 4-H club with donations over the years and this is our way of giving back to the community,” Babb concluded.
