SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Despite being visually impaired, Sandra Gallagher is unstoppable when it comes to spreading warmth and kindness over the cold shoulder of the season.
The organizer of the annual Coats for Kids drive said this is a cause “close to her heart” while recalling, with a smile, the impact the volunteer-led initiative has made in the community.
“I once paired a Western Capitals hockey player with a mother and son to help them select clothes. The hockey player gave the little boy a pair of second-hand boots, and the boy truly believed the hockey player had bought him the shoes,” Gallagher said.
“During the night, the mother checked on her son and noticed he was still wearing the boots while asleep. He was so happy a Caps player gave him shoes. This is the impact those guys make on the kids, and why I continue to help this cause, despite being blind. It makes me so happy,” she said.
Coats for Kids will take place this year at the Summerside Boys and Girls Club, located at 364 Notre Dame Street from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 2.
The initiative has seen increasing numbers, with anywhere from 100 to more than 300 people in need.
“With the post-tropical storm Dorian, I have been receiving many calls already for clothes. There’s a huge need in this community. People are strapped for cash after making repairs to their home, so we are in urgent need of donations,” continued Gallagher, who is out collecting clothing all year round.
There is no judgment or need for proof of income.
Gallagher makes one request – items are not to be resold.
“I can’t do repairs anymore due to being blind, but if an item needs to be washed that’s not a problem. Although we ask people to try to donate as clean as possible,” she said.
Items needed for children, infants, and adults include:
- Coats
- Hats
- Mittens or gloves
- Winter boots
- Hoodies, sweaters
- Ski pants
- Scarves
Gallagher acknowledged that without the huge support from church groups, local businesses, and people like David Groom, this initiative would not be possible.
“When my daughter was young I had to tap into a service like this because money was very tight back then and children grow quickly. But now I find it a great reward to help others. This is my way of giving back to the community.”
Groom, the president and part-owner of the Summerside Western Capitals, said the date is selectively chosen for the one-day giveaway so the hockey players can specially attend.
“The kids look up to them as role models, so it’s great to have the Western Capitals playing sports or entertaining the youth while the parents are busy picking clothes,” said Groom, who also manages the Quality Inn and joined the cause three years ago after seeing a need in the community.
“Sandra needed monetary donations and manpower, so with the help of my staff, we distribute posters, spread the word, purchase winter items that are lacking among the donations and help distribute,” he continued. “This is Sandra’s passion, front and centre, but we are there for the support.”
