Donations urgently needed for Tree of Hope campaign due to shortfall of winter coats

No child should be without a warm coat during the cold, snowy winters we experience in Kingston and the area.

That’s why Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington makes efforts each year to ensure children aged nine months to 17 years old in need of winter coats are gifted coats as part of their annual Tree of Hope campaign. For over 100 years, the Tree of Hope campaign has supported area children with toys and gifts, as well as winter clothing. This year, the campaign’s goal to get 200 winter coats and snowsuits to kids in the region “took an unexpected turn last week,” according to Family and Children’s Services of Frontenac, Lennox and Addington, a Children’s Aid Society.

“We’ve come up short. Drastically short. We have families that need winter clothing, and they need it right now,” said John Suart, Manager of Community Relations for the local Family and Children’s Services.

In order to make up for the shortfall, the Tree of Hope campaign has to immediately purchase 60 winter coats. Family and Children’s Services will be spending $5,000 to make up the difference, and, as a result, the Tree of Hope urgently needs donations to bridge the gap.

“These kids are relying on the Tree of Hope for winter coats,” said Suart. “And we’re relying on the community to make it happen.”

To find out more about the Tree of Hope campaign or to make a donation, click www.HelpTreeofHope.ca.