Have an extra coat in your closet? With colder days just around the corner, your donation of a gently used winter coat could help to keep someone much warmer this coming chilly season.
Partnered up again this year, our Hotel Dieu Hospital site and St. Mary’s Cathedral will be collecting winter coats during regular business hours on weekdays, October 23 to November 17. Items can be dropped off in a bin conveniently located just inside the Sydenham Street entrance (upper level) at the HDH site.
People are encouraged to donate down-filled-style coats and ski jackets, which are more practical for people who are homeless or living in poverty because they’re warm, lightweight and machine washable. Extra-large sizes in both men’s and women’s coats are particularly welcome, as are donations of clean woollen socks.
The distribution phase of the Coat Drive will kick into gear November 13, with the distribution centre located at St. Mary’s Parish Hall (corner of Brock and Clergy Streets). It will operate 1-4 p.m., Monday to Friday until December 15 and then open again from January 2. There will be no distribution of coats at HDH.
“The annual Coat Drive is a project close to our hearts and a wonderful expression of the mission of our Sisters and hospital,” says Elizabeth Bardon, VP Missions, Strategy & Communications. “As always, we’re very pleased to partner with St. Mary’s Cathedral in bringing our mission to the vulnerable in our community.
“Last year about 600 people visited the Parish Hall distribution centre and close to 900 coats were given away. We’re grateful that staff and community members rally to support those in need, especially those who might be out on our streets in bone-chilling weather this winter.
For more information about the 2017 Coat Drive, please call 613-544-3400, ext. 4204.
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