SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. - It came as a shock to the system, especially for the most vulnerable, when Islanders were forced to dig out their winter gear as the first snowfall of the season came early and blanketed Western P.E.I. on Thursday, Oct. 25.
Sandra Gallagher, the organizer of the 2018 Coats for Kids campaign in Summerside, says there’s an urgent need for donations of new or gently used warm clothing, coats, hats, boots, and gloves as winter approaches.
“There’s a high need for winter clothing, and not just in the city,” she stated. “We had one girl that lost her dad in an accident and she received a snowsuit and that made me happy. Normally we don’t give out clothing before November 3.”
She continued, “But we also just helped fire victims with a bag of coats because they lost everything to the blaze, so you can imagine how devastating that was for them. We wanted to give them a head start because we are here to help those in need.”
Although the Coats for Kids giveaway takes place on one day – and has seen an increasing number from 100 to 300 people walk through its doors – Gallagher is out collecting winter clothes all year round for the annual campaign that’s close to her heart.
“When I had my first child money was extremely tight and I couldn’t afford to buy winter clothing every year for my daughter,” she shared. “So when people come we don’t judge, and we don’t ask questions about their income because we know how it’s like.”
Coats for Kids was originally started in Summerside by the Kinette Club and ran yearly for decades before they partnered with the YMCA due to a decline in membership.
BJ’s Fabric-care on Water Street cleaned all items received, at no charge, until they sold to Sun and Suds Laundromat. Sun and Suds continue doing this for the program under the direction of their manager Sue Gallant, who is also the president of the Kinette Club of Central P.E.I. (an amalgamation of the Summerside and Charlottetown clubs).
Gallagher, who has been in charge of the campaign for about seven years now, worried that after being diagnosed as visually impaired earlier this year that she would not be able to continue giving back to the community.
“I suffered from a blood clot in the middle of my eye and then needed an operation in April. My vision is blurred and it’s slowed me down, but I can still see images, repair clothing rips, sort and wash, and go from there.”
Sandra Gallant came on board this year to help Gallagher keep up with the busy demand.
“She’s a very giving person and I’m excited to be involved this year. It keeps me busy and I get to put a smile on people’s faces, so that makes me happy,” chimed Gallant.
Clothing sizes can range from newborns to adult sizes and are not exclusively for youngsters.
Gallagher makes one request - items must not be sold.
“If they are not the correct size, please give them to someone else in need or return the items of clothing to me and I will find someone that could benefit from them,” she said.
Main drop-off locations in Summerside are Sun and Suds Laundromat, the Boys and Girls Club, Township Chevrolet, and Dominos Pizza. Dominos is currently offering free cheesy bread with any donation dropped off on location.
Monetary donations can be made at www.gofundme.com/summerside-coats-for-kids, or pick-up can be arranged by calling Sandra Gallagher on 902-432-1323. Funds can be donated to Gallagher and Gallant at the Summerside Farmers Market on Saturday morning, and at Georges Island Market in Bedeque, Sunday afternoon.
Coats for Kids will be held this year at the United Pentecostal Church, located at 325 Pope Road, from 10:15 a.m. until 2:15 p.m. on Nov. 3.
