Duane Hicks
The Knights of Columbus–Rainy Lake Council’s “Coats4Kids” 2017 campaign is underway.
The council is seeking community members to donate whatever they can spare so it can raise funds to buy winter jackets for at-risk youth in Fort Frances and the surrounding area, campaign organizer Nathan Cousineau told the Times.
“We are seeking out any monetary donations from local businesses, organizations, and individuals who might be interested in supporting a child in the district with a brand new winter coat,” said Cousineau.
Those interested in donating to the campaign can drop by the St. Mary’s parish office on Victoria Avenue or call Cousineau at 276-7142.
“Anything will help us make a difference,” Cousineau stressed.
In order to the give the KCs enough time to get the coats before Christmas, the “Coats4Kids” campaign will run until Nov. 15.
Last year, the campaign far exceeded its goal of $1,000, bringing in about $2,500, which allowed the KCs to purchase 108 winter coats for local children.
“The Rainy Lake Council was recognized as being one of the most successful councils in Ontario that supported this initiative,” Cousineau noted.
“We accomplished much of this with the support of the all the staffers at BDO and NCDS who contributed via their office charity efforts,” he added.
“This year’s goal is to continue increasing awareness about the program and expanding our community partners,” said Cousineau, noting local businesses have been invited to join in via a letter campaign.
As in past years, the KCs purchase direct from the Burlington Coat Factory.
“This year, the funding scheme has changed in regards to the relationship between Burlington Coats and the Knights of Columbus,” Cousineau noted.
“Historically, this program had a fixed cost of $245 for a dozen coats,” he explained.
“[But] because the exchange rate has negatively influenced our purchasing power, Burlington had to charge us the U.S. exchange rate on the orders now.
“Although this is a small setback, the agents at the Knights of Columbus Insurance Company, who always work hand-in-hand with us, have agreed to offset the increased cost as a way of showing support to communities and councils,” Cousineau said.
“We are glad to receive their support.”
Once they get the coats, they will be distributed through a partnership with the local Family and Child Services.
“The council has preferred working with the Kenora-Rainy River Child Family Services because they are recognized as being the frontline workers capable of recognizing where the real needs are,” Cousineau explained.
“Who better than them to reach out to the families who will need support this winter?
“In the unlikely case that the coats are not all utilized by the children receiving services by the KRRCFS, then we will consult with the local elementary schools and First Nations’ communities,” he added.
As in past years, to ensure that youths who receive the jackets are not stigmatized, the coats are not all the same and therefore won’t easily be identified as “charity.”
Cousineau said he’s been very happy with the success of “Coats4Kids” in the recent past and, feeling satisfied, considered moving on to other charity initiatives, like the Global Wheelchair Effort.
But former St. Mary’s parish priest Fr. Vic DeGagné asked Cousineau if he truly thought all the young people that needed jackets got one last winter.
“I knew the answer was no, and he suggested I keep pursuing this until I was satisfied with my answer,” said Cousineau.
“I was inspired by his ability to be resilient and tenacious, despite the barriers and hardships that confront you,” he added.
“But in reality, this is a community effort and I will gladly administer it as long as the community chooses to rally behind it.
“It’s hard to find a better deal on a new winter coat, and the kids are totally worth it,” stressed Cousineau, who thanked the public and media for their continued support.
