THUNDER BAY - With temperatures dropping to near zero and snow just around the corner, people are once again being asked to search through closets and drawers for any coats that can help keep some of the most vulnerable people in the community warm this winter.
“It’s amazing what people find in their closets, and every year it’s amazing that people find more and more clothing. It’s local, and that’s what it’s all about,” said Jon Wynn, co-owner at Gear Up for Outdoors.
On Tuesday, Thunder Bay Shelter House and Gear Up for Outdoors launched its 13th Annual Spread the Warmth Winter Coat Drive.
The annual coat drive was started by staff at Gear Up for Outdoors who wanted to do something to give back to the community.
“It’s a great community spirit. It’s been amazing,” Wynn said. “Every year it seems to be growing. But it’s not about the numbers, just as long as the people who need them, get them.”
Every year the coat drive brings in more than 1,000 coats, which are then distributed to community organizations like Shelter House, Precious Bundles, and Grace Place.
Thunder Bay Shelter House executive director, Michelle Jordan, said the need for warm winter clothing in the city remains high.
“It’s super important. People need to stay warm and a lot of the time people are underdressed out in the elements and we just want to make sure people have access to coats,” she said. “The need is still there. We still have people coming to our doors who don’t have coats or jackets in the middle of winter and we just want to keep people warm.”
Wynn said schools and other organizations are also joining the coat drive, which is helping make it bigger every year.
“The more the merrier. The city of Thunder Bay has a giant heart,” he said. “Everybody, when it comes to a project like this, really steps up.”
The Spread the Warmth Coat drive will take place from Oct. 1 to Dec. 20. Coats and jackets of all sizes are accepted for donation and people are asked to wash them before donating. Coats can be dropped off at Gear Up for Outdoors.
Everyone who donates will be entered into a draw for six $100 Keg gift cards and will receive 15 per cent off a new coat purchase at Gear Up for Outdoors.
