When the world feels heavy, it’s easy to be swept away by despair and overwhelm.
But an earnest young Winnipegger is reminding us there’s no problem too big—or person too small—to make a real difference.
A few weeks ago, five-year-old Hudson learned not every child in his community owns a winter coat. And he was crushed.
Playing in the snow with his little sister, Addie, is one of Hudson’s favourite things to do. He was devastated knowing kids his age don’t have a way to stay warm so they can build snowmen at recess or go sledding with their families.
With a fire in his belly, the kindergartener began saving his allowance money and recruited his parents to help him fundraise for Koats for Kids, an initiative of United Way Winnipeg.
“He’s a very thoughtful, kind, empathetic little guy,” shared his mom, Bria. “He’s just always thinking of other people.”
“We’re at the point where a lot of our shelves are bare, and our inventory is down.”
Every fall, caring Winnipeggers like Hudson’s family clean out their closets or buy new winter gear for families in need through Koats for Kids.
The campaign collects and distributes thousands upon thousands of coats, boots, ski pants, toques, mitts, and scarves to help little Winnipeggers and their families stay safe in frigid temperatures.
Because Winnipeg winters aren’t only cold—they can be deadly. Warm winterwear helps protect tiny fingers and toes from the dangers of extreme weather, while enhancing the overall well-being of kids by allowing them to get to school and play outdoors with friends.
“It’s also a tremendous relief for newcomer families,” explained Melissa Burgess, Senior Manager of Engagement Initiatives at United Way Winnipeg.
“Imagine arriving at the Winnipeg airport and never experiencing snow or sub-zero temperatures before. When you give to Koats for Kids, you’re helping take stress off families who already have so much to worry about.”
Alongside donors, Koats for Kids is powered by generous partners and a fervent fleet of volunteers, who lovingly transport, sort, mend, organize, and package over 7,000 kg of winter gear dropped off at nearly 20 locations across the city.
While 6,000 jackets and 20,000+ accessories annually may sound like a lot, items go quickly—especially now with the rising cost of living.
“The past few years have been tough on Winnipeggers and people have to pay a LOT for basic necessities,” remarked Melissa.
“We know there are a lot of families out there who won’t be able to afford winter gear this year.”
Earlier this year, a troubling report flagged Manitoba as the province with the highest rate of child poverty. More than 20,000 Manitoba kids face hunger and rely on food banks each month—and the demand for other essentials like warm clothing is also soaring.
“We’re at the point where a lot of our shelves are bare and our inventory is down, especially for boots and waterproof gloves and mitts,” Melissa shared. “So now that the temperature is about to really drop and the snow is here, we are desperately looking for more donations.”
That’s why Hudson’s generosity couldn’t have come at a better time.
“I raised SO much money for Koats for Kids! I raised $1,850,” Hudson declared, carefully articulating each number.
“I bought 10 FULL snowsuits! And boots, and mitts, and scarves.”
Bria, a photographer by trade, helped spread the word on social media and offered several pay-what-you-can photo sessions, with all proceeds donated to her son’s fundraiser.
“Kids are growing up in such a strange time and have so many burdens to deal with on their own,” shared Bria.
“So, if we can take something like buying a jacket off someone’s hands so they can afford to buy groceries, I think that’s a really important thing to do.”
“They’re gonna feel GREAT!”
With impeccable timing, Hudson’s family dropped off their winterwear at Koats for Kids within hours of Winnipeg’s first snowfall of the season.
Despite the enormous success of his fundraiser, Hudson doesn’t plan on slowing down. Last week, his school’s principal invited him to coach the grade four classroom as they plan a Koats for Kids collection drive.
“I think it’s going to be awesome!” he gushed. “I’m going to raise some MORE money for Koats for Kids!”
Hudson is also an inspiration to Addie, his three-year-old sister, who has been picking dimes off the ground to help him raise money for Koats for Kids.
“She’s following in her big brother’s footsteps,” laughed Bria, who couldn’t be prouder of her children’s kindness and empathy.
“Hudson really shows that he can make a difference. You don’t have to be a big grown-up with lots of money to do something—you just have to put yourself out there.”
For Hudson, it’s simply the right thing to do: making sure kids can be kids.
“They can go to places for winter now. They can go on field trips,” he said. “They’re gonna feel GREAT!”
How YOU can help
Feeling inspired by Hudson’s act of kindness?
You can host your own Koats for Kids collection drive! Register HERE and you’ll receive all the instruction and materials you’ll need.
Urgently needed items with a currently low inventory include:
- boots for kids and adults (all sizes)
- gloves/mitts for kids and adults
- scarves/neck warmers
- men’s coats (all sizes)
- women’s coats (size large)
- boys’ coats (sizes 8 to 12)
- boys’ ski pants (sizes 10, 12, 14, 16)
- girls’ ski pants (sizes 8, 10, 12)
Drop off new or gently used winter gear at select Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service stations, Access Storage locations, Perth’s, Toys R Us stores, and AMJ Campbell. For a complete list of drop-off locations, please visit koatsforkids.ca.
