United Way Winnipeg Youth

Winnipeg kids will stay warmer this winter thanks to students at Grant Park High School. “It felt good, but rushed in the end,” said 14-year-old Jamie. The pressure was on when temperatures took a nose dive, plunging Winnipeg into a deep freeze. Jamie and friend Erica, 16, were determined to make sure local kids weren’t left out in the cold.

The two grade nine students organized The Mitten Tree collection drive in support of United Way’s Koats for Kids program. “The girls were in here working every chance they got,” said Lynn Livingston, Library Technical Assistant.

From October until mid–December, Jamie and Erica heated up support by designing posters, educating students about Koats for Kids and displaying donated hats, mitts and scarves on The Mitten Tree. Several pairs of ski pants, boots, warm clothing and jackets were also collected.

“A coat means a child can learn to skate or build a snow fort and doesn’t have to stay in for recess. United Way’s Koats for Kids program is really about creating opportunities for all children to enjoy and participate in winter activities,” said Donna Albak, Koats for Kids Program Manager.

Jamie and Erica’s efforts inspired students and their families to donate nearly 400 pieces of winter outerwear – twice as many items as last year’s drive.

In honour of their hard work, both Jamie and Erica received certificates of recognition from Principal Yale Chochinov and United Way’s Adrienne Silver.

The Mitten Tree has been a school initiative for five years and Livingston said there is also a huge benefit for Grant Park students, “If we can teach them about caring for others at this stage in life, they have the potential to become lifelong philanthropists.”

Thank you to all Grant Park students who donated to The Mitten Tree. Koats for Kids receives approximately 10,000 requests for winter outerwear each year and we couldn’t keep all those kids warm without your support!

If you would like to organize a collection drive at your school or volunteer for Koats for Kids, visit www.unitedwaywinnipeg.mb.ca or call 586-KOAT (5628) for more information.