The United Way Central Plains and Big Brothers Big Sisters Central Plains (BBBS) are once again joining forces to provide children in our community with winter clothing.
Dawn Froese, executive director for BBBS, outlines that the Koats for Kids program will start collecting winter apparel on October 1st and run until the end of the month.
"If people have items that they'd like to donate, they can drop them off at BBBS, Family Resource Centre, Stride Place, Pharmasave, Portage Library, Portage Friendship Centre and the Terrier game on October 21st."
Froese says that this initiative is so important as there are many children in the community whose parents can't afford to dress their kids correctly.
"So, what happens in the middle of winter if it's a really, really cold day... Kids end up staying home, not going to school, not getting out and playing in some fresh air. If they've got that winter gear, they're able to go to school and to get some fresh air and have some fun outside in the snow."
Froese shares that distribution of the winter clothing will take place at the Youth for Christ building on November 9th and 10th from 1 p.m. until 5:30 p.m., then on the 12th from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. with anyone receiving winter clothing needing to show their Manitoba health card.
The executive director notes that the program is very thankful to everyone who will go through their closets to see if they have anything to donate.
