Volunteers and local politicians spent last Saturday sorting through donated jackets for the Rotary Coats for Kids campaign.
The Burnaby-based initiative distributes warm winter coats to local children and youth in need.
On Monday, volunteers started to deliver coats to local children, but the demand for more donations is still high.
“I would say (we’re) behind, because people are only now gearing up even though we’ve been preparing,” said Gloria Staudt, a member of the Rotary Club of Burnaby Metrotown.
Every year, volunteers collect gently used hooded coats and load them onto a truck, which functions like a mobile dressing room, so children can climb aboard and choose a jacket they like.
Deliveries continue till November, but Staudt would like another 1,000 to 1,200 coats donated.
“We bought about 800 coats, and we had about 600 that we collected towards the end of last years’ campaign,” said Staudt.
The campaign, which helps roughly 1,200 kids a year, has been running for about nine years.
The volunteers are looking for gently used, warm hooded coats or cash donations ($20 will cover the cost of one coat).
To get involved or to donate, email [email protected] or drop donations off at any Burnaby library branch, local Staples store, the South Burnaby Neighbourhood House or the Edmonds-area UPS store.
