The Coats on Finlay winter coat and clothing donation event runs from 12 p.m. Nov. 5 until 8 a.m. Nov. 6 on Finlay Bridge downtown.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
kking@medicinehatnews.com
As the cold weather returns, so too does an annual event aimed at keeping those in need warm through the winter.
Finlay Bridge in downtown Medicine Hat will once again be adorned with coats, jackets, sweaters, hats, scarves, mittens and all other forms of winter attire as the Coats on Finlay donation event returns Nov. 5.
Now in its third year, the event offers Hatters an opportunity to assist fellow community members through donation of new or gently used seasonal wear. Attire will be hung on the bridge or placed in bins, which anyone in need is invited to take from at no charge.
While volunteers will be at the bridge from the event’s starting time at noon until approximately 10 p.m., attire will remain on the bridge overnight. Any leftover attire will be collected from the bridge at 8 a.m. on Nov. 6 and moved to the Post Thrift Boutique where it will remain free to those in need, while supplies last.
Organizers Kym Porter and Helen Snortland hope this year’s Coats on Finlay event will be as successful as previous years, particularly as they feel need within Medicine Hat has increased over the past year.
“We have a feeling that this year is going to bring even more coats down to the bridge,” Porter told the News. “With the number of people who we know are struggling financially in the community and living rough on the streets, there’s such a need.”
“We’ll accept whatever the community’s ready to offer. We just encourage people to come and to bring and hang their own coats,” said Snortland.
