The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) is launching the 25th annual Coats for Kids campaign (today), Thursday, Nov. 12, in support of the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus, two groups whose many initiatives help to provide a warmer winter and brighter holiday season for families in need.
To celebrate 25 years, in addition to collecting Coats for Kids, HAVAN is holding a $25 for 25 Years Fundraising Campaign, with the goal of reaching $25,000.
It is estimated over the past 25 years, members have gathered 75,000-plus coats for kids and teenagers, along with new toys and cash donations. Today, 25 years on, HAVAN typically would see 60-plus members sign up to offer more than 70 drop off locations across the Lower Mainland, to collect 6,000-plus coats this year.
However with COVID-19, Coats for Kids is facing some challenges. With so many people working from home, access to drop off locations is significantly down.
Speaking with Lower Mainland executive director Chris Bayliss, he said, “the bureaus will be accepting coats, asking that items are cleaned and pre-bagged, however cash donations are highly encouraged as a means to circumvent COVID-19 regulations surrounding the collection of used items.”
The Homebuilders Association know the power of community. Collectively, the task at hand is easier when everyone comes together. $25,000 is a significant goal, but when you break it down to $25, suddenly the goal becomes a lot closer.
From now until Dec. 12, new or gently used winter jackets, hoodies, scarves, and mittens can be dropped off at a location near you. See all the drop off locations at: www.havan.ca/coatsforkids. Charitable cash donation (tax receipts to be provided by the bureaus) can also be made online.
