The Portage Office of United Way West Central Manitoba is in the middle of its annual Coats for Kids campaign and is adding a new initiative this year called Coats for Seniors.
Program co-ordinator Megan Romphf said many seniors are facing the same challenges as some families in the community when it comes to lacking warm winter clothing.
"Bev Zaroski and Kaylee Hannah from Portage Service for Seniors have taken that on. Anyone who would like to donate to Coats for Seniors, please come down to the Herman Prior Centre. There is a drop-off bin there," Romphf said.
The bin will be available for donations from Oct. 1 to 31.
“Coats for Kids is also running from Oct. 1 to 31. We’ll be at events like Fright at the Museum and our usual locations, including Stride Place, Pharmasave, the library, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the United Way office. Visions of Independence also handles our pick-up and sorting, and we couldn’t do it without them," she said.
Another new initiative is the FEYA program, which stands for Financially Empowering Young Adults.
"You’ll see application forms coming out for people aged 18 to 29 who are working full-time. They must be renting or leasing, and permanent residents and newcomers are encouraged to apply. We’ve partnered with Homestead Co-op and Communities Building Youth Futures to launch this program,” Romphf said.
She added they are excited to bring the program to Portage and hope people apply.
“You can apply up to three times in a funding cycle for $100 Co-op gift cards, which can be used for medications, gas, or groceries—all in one stop.”
