Koats for Kids Winnipeg 2025 – Helping Little Winnipeggers Stay Warm

Here’s something worth knowing as the cold months settle in: Koats for Kids is once again collecting new and gently used winter gear for children. Things like coats, mitts, hats, scarves, ski pants, and boots are all needed. Donations like these mean families can focus their stretched budgets on food, rent, and other essentials, while kids still get to bundle up properly for winter.

Why it matters

Every year, between September and January, Winnipeggers donate over 6,000 coats—and those coats, along with other gear, go straight to kids who need them. For a child, having proper winter clothing can be the difference between staying home or heading off to school, or between sitting indoors or playing outside with friends. Warm coats and boots also help protect against frostbite and those biting Prairie winds.

Where to drop off donations

There are plenty of spots around the city where people can bring items. Some of the main places include:

• Access Storage (locations at Gordon Ave, Archibald St, Lowson Cres, Higgins Ave, Hervo St, Inkster Blvd, Pembina Hwy, Nature Park Way, and Creek Bend)
• Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service stations (McGregor, Banting, Regent Ave, Waverley, Rothesay, and Dakota)
• Toys R Us (St. Matthews Ave and Regent Ave)
• AMJ Campbell (Ryan Wirth Way)
• YMCA of Winnipeg (Fermor Ave, Vaughan St, Kimberly Ave, and Portage Ave)

There’s also a full list of collection sites on the Koats for Kids page if you want to double-check before heading out.

Need winter gear?

Families who need help with winter clothing can’t reach out to Koats for Kids directly. Instead, schools, daycares, or social service agencies step in to make requests for families. If this might apply to you, reaching out to one of those organizations is the way to go.

Other ways to pitch in

• Host a coat drive: Some people set up drives at schools, workplaces, or even for birthdays. It’s a nice way to bring folks together for a good cause.
• Volunteer: Every year, thousands of kilograms of coats, boots, and mitts need sorting. Volunteers (16+) can sign up to help at the Koats for Kids Volunteer Centre at 231 King Street. To book a time, just call 204-586-5628 or email United Way Winnipeg.
• Knit neck warmers: For anyone handy with knitting needles, neck warmers are especially needed for kids in schools where scarves aren’t allowed. A simple pattern works, and volunteers suggest around 88–92 stitches for little ones, and about 100 for older kids.

For schools, daycares, and agencies

Koats for Kids depends on these organizations to place orders for families. Agencies, teachers, and daycare staff can submit requests online to make sure kids get the winter gear they need.