Staff
Local council #2766 of the Knights of Columbus has jumped on board the “Coats for Kids” program this year—donating 60 brand new jackets to Kenora-Rainy River Districts Child and Family Services to distribute to those in need.
“We have a lot of low-income families who are really in need of something like this,” said Wendy Brunetta of the KRRDCFS.
She noted coats can be very expensive and an extra burden for families at an already difficult time of year.
“We just wanted to help alleviate some of the financial stress for those who are struggling,” explained Nathan Cousineau, who co-ordinated the local “Coats for Kids” efforts.
“They can use their money for other things, and not worry about whether or not their child will be warm this winter,” he noted.
Dino Morelli, grand knight of local council #2766, said the “Coats for Kids” program was launched by the Knights of Columbus in 2009 as an initiative to help keep kids warm in harsh winter climates.
Since the program’s inception, the Knights of Columbus in Canada and the U.S. has given away more than 167,000 coats to children in need.
Roughly 2,000 local Knights of Columbus councils have participated in their communities.
Morelli noted the local council decided to get involved this year.
“And winter is just starting,” he stressed, saying they intend to order more coats and would like to donate at least another 40.
Cousineau said the Knights of Columbus were able to get the coats with help from St. Mary’s parish, Our Lady of Lourdes parish, and the Catholic Women’s League.
He added the Knights of Columbus Supreme Council has a partnership with the U.S.-based Burlington Coat Factory, where they were able to purchase the brand new coats at a significantly lower cost.
Now the local Child and Family Services will distribute them to those in need.
“We’ve already had people asking if we can help with things like coats and winter boots,” noted Cheyenne Calder, a family support practitioner.
“It will be so amazing to call and ask people if they need a jacket,” she added.
Anyone who would like to donate to the “Coats for Kids” program locally can contact Cousineau for details via e-mail at cousineau017@gmail.com
