Powell River Knights of Columbus have donated 48 coats for children and youth to Powell River Action Centre Food Bank.
Knights of Columbus grand knight David Formosa said the project is called Coats for Kids, which is a national Knights of Columbus program. He said it was set up to help in Ukraine when the war began.
Formosa said he advocated with the national organization for the coats to be shared within his own community.
“I called the food bank and asked if they could use coats for kids,” said Formosa. “We decided that we would provide coats for children and teens. We bought 48 coats and they are really good quality.”
Formosa said when he brought the coats to the food bank there was already a young recipient waiting, and he can now go off to school in a new coat.
“We’re happy and proud,” added Formosa.
He said the Knights of Columbus are active in trying to benefit the community, offering bursaries for students, food for people who need food, coats for kids and other programs.
When he contacted the food bank to let them know that Knights of Columbus was considering the donation, Formosa said halfway through his pitch, he was informed that yes, the food bank would enthusiastically take the coats.
“I thought this would be a good place to distribute the coats because they know where the need is,” said Formosa. “The Knights of Columbus are happy to be here and to work with our community.”
Food bank manager Savanna Dee said the organization was super excited. She said the food bank does more than help qathet region residents with food.
“We try to help people in any way we can,” added Dee. “We are very grateful for the coats donation, which will help people who really need the help.”
Dee said the food bank has distributed clothes before, but not brand new winter coats, so this is something special.
“It’s definitely for children to younger teens,” said Dee. “We are seeing a huge need. We used to get four, five or six new people a year and a month ago, we were past 160 for the year, and the year is not up.
“It will be wonderful to give people in need a winter coat.”
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