Thanks to many generous donations, living our mission of caring for others translated into a warmer winter for hundreds in our community this year.
By the time the annual Coat Drive co-sponsored by our Hotel Dieu Hospital site and St. Mary’s Cathedral wrapped up recently, the distribution centre had handed out almost 3000 items, including almost 800 coats and 2000 accessories such as socks, mitts, hats, scarves, blanket and boots.
In total, 1062 people (compared to 964 last year) visited the St. Mary’s distribution location.
“While it's never encouraging to see such a high level of need, it's very heartening to see the generosity that allowed such a fulsome response,” says Elizabeth Bardon, VP Mission & Strategy Integration and Support Services. "This was our busiest season ever and, fortunately, we had more inventory than ever before.
“We’re grateful to our community, to staff across both our hospital sites and to colleagues at Providence Care Hospital for supporting our mission of caring by donating coats, cozy socks and funds that were used to purchase warm boots and socks.”
She also thanked volunteers who sorted and organized donations and ran the distribution centre, where visitors were treated with respect and dignity.
“The annual Coat Drive is a project close to our hearts at Kingston Health Sciences Centre,” says Bardon. “We’re so grateful that staff, volunteers and community members rally every year to support those in need, especially those who might be out on our streets in bone-chilling weather this winter.”
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