Algonquin Outfitters’ annual winter coat drive had one of its most successful years yet, thanks in part to the generous help of the good people at Kimberly Clark.
Algonquin Outfitters gathered gently used coats throughout November for its 11th annual coat drive.
Because of COVID protocols, donors were asked to place coats in a plastic bag and drop them at an AO location. The retailer’s Huntsville and Bracebridge stores collected 20 boxes of coats, which they are estimating is 100-150 coats, triple last year’s number.
“I was expecting the same as last year with COVID making things for difficult for people but when I went downstairs to take a look at what had been brought in I was seriously blown away,” said Randy Mitson, AO’s marketing director. “It was so incredible to see our community come together like this.”
The donated coats were delivered to The Table to help those in need who cannot afford a warm coat this winter.
Janice Paterson, secretary at Kimberly Clark, saw posts online about the coat drive and thought it would be a good idea for the company to get involved.
The KC team ended up donating another six boxes of brand new coats to The Table: after changing to high-visibility jackets, they had boxes of coats in storage that were not being used, many of which still had tags on.
“We really wanted to help the community, especially through these crazy times,” said Paterson. “Helping people in our town is really important to us at Kimberly Clark.”
“Hearing from Kimberly Clark was such an amazing surprise, especially on the last day of the event,” said Mitson. “It was so heartwarming to see them bring in this many jackets. I really wasn’t expecting this.”
Another heartwarming fact Mitson pointed out was that over two dozen of the coats donated had come to AO in dry-cleaning bags, meaning someone went out of their way to get them cleaned so they it were like new for the recipients.
Every year AO offers anyone who donates a coat during the month-long event a voucher for $25 off when they spend $100 at the store, but many people decided to forgo the coupon and just make the donation.
“With COVID, many people are in a difficult place financially but the demand is still there for coats. If anything, more people are in need of a warm jacket this winter. We honestly expected less jackets this time around but the amount that were donated blew our minds,” said Mitson.
If anyone in Muskoka is in need of a warm coat (adult or kids sizing), please contact The Table at 705- 783-5827.
Learn more about The Table at thetablefoundation.ca.
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