HAVAN kicks off 30th annual Coats for Kids Drive

VANCOUVER — HAVAN’s 30th annual Coats for Kids campaign is officially underway.

Each year the association collects gently used winter coats, outerwear and new toys for families in need across Metro Vancouver.

In partnership with the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus, HAVAN and its members are welcoming donations from now until Dec. 5.

There are 66 drop-off locations hosted by 54 HAVAN member companies across 15 municipalities. Gently used coats, scarves, gloves, blankets and unwrapped toys are welcome. Donors can find a drop-off point close to home and help bring warmth and joy to children of all ages this winter, a release reads.

“HAVAN members are stepping up across Metro Vancouver to make it easier for people to donate in their own communities,” said Wendy McNeil, acting CEO of HAVAN, in a statement. “With a cold, wet winter forecasted and the first heavy rain from a recent atmospheric river behind us, it’s essential to ensure our kids are prepared for the season.”

To culminate the campaign’s success, HAVAN members and special guests will come together on Dec. 5 for the annual “Chill Out for Coats for Kids” gathering at the Trail Appliances Vancouver showroom.

To donate, find a Drop-off Location online: https://havan.ca/event/coats-for-kids-2024/.