Winter coats for women and children

Let’s face it, winters in Calgary are cold.

But for many women and children they can be even colder.
Many women in Calgary are silently suffering from critical social issues including income, housing, and food insecurity. In 2010, 90% of the women who used the Centre were living in poverty.

For many women, buying new winter coats after paying for food, rent and supplies can be almost impossible.

“We hear from so many women and mothers who are frantically scrambling to find winter coats when the snow begins to fall. Finding warm clothing in the winter is a huge issue for many women and families living in poverty,” says Aimar Bracho.

After realizing the growing need, the Women’s Centre partnered with Project Warmth, a local organization to distribute donated winter coats and items to women in need.

Project Warmth Society of Alberta is a registered charitable association that was formed to assist the homeless and the underprivileged with winter coats.

Blankets, gloves, sleeping bags, scarves, parkas, and items of warm clothing are gathered year round from generous Calgarians and cleaned for distribution to those in need.

Bins are placed in the many fire stations and halls throughout the City to accommodate the clothing and related items, and arrangements can be made for the pick-up of items people wish to donate.

According to Jaime, the Women’s Centre is their largest agency partner, helping to hand out thousands of winter coats to women in need.

“The Women’s Centre is the biggest recipient of winter coats in the city. Last year we gave out over 15,000 winter items, with the majority of them going to the Women’s Centre. It’s great to be able to help out.”

If you would like to volunteer or donate winter coats to Project Warmth, please contact 403-250-1405 or email admin@projectwarmth.com.