The Knights of Columbus recently held their annual "Coats for Kids" fundraiser, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to providing warm coats to children and families in need. The event, marked by stories of compassion, partnership, and community spirit, took place in Hamilton, Ontario, and brought together members of the Knights, local school representatives, and community leaders.
The event began with a blessing from Father Jeff, who highlighted the significance of the initiative. "We ask that the children and their families who receive these coats see them as an act of kindness and love from our community," he prayed. His words set a tone of gratitude and solidarity, reflecting the core values behind the fundraiser.
Sonny Sangemino, the general agent for the Knights of Columbus insurance in Southern Ontario, expressed pride in the event's growth, noting the positive impact it has had over the years. 
"It's great to see so many Knights, principals, and teachers here today," he said, emphasizing the organization's ongoing commitment to helping those in need. He also shared how Hamilton has become a "bright spot" for this initiative, serving as a template for success across Ontario.
A Tradition of Giving
The "Coats for Kids" program began in 2008, and as described by Bruce Poulin, the State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus in Ontario, it has grown significantly. "We thought 10,000 coats would be easy, but it was a challenge. However, last year, we exceeded that goal and donated over 11,000 coats," Poulin said, celebrating the achievements of the past year. He shared a touching story about how the simple act of providing a warm coat can restore dignity and hope, not only to children but also to homeless veterans.
Partnerships That Strengthen the Community
The success of the program relies on collaboration with local organizations, schools, and volunteers. Pat Daly, Chairperson of the Hamilton-Wentworth Catholic District School Board, highlighted the importance of these partnerships. "By giving them that coat, they see that there are people who care," Daly said. "Having at least one adult who cares can mean more than perhaps anything else in a young person's life."
Brother Terence Aylward from Good Shepherd also spoke about the significance of the program. "The coats provide comfort and a sense of dignity, and we make sure that what we give is new and of good quality.This is about restoring dignity and giving people warmth, both physically and emotionally," he said, reiterating the mission of the Knights of Columbus to serve the community through faith in action.
A Program That Expands Beyond Children
The "Coats for Kids" initiative has grown to include other vulnerable groups, such as homeless veterans. Poulin explained how the Knights worked to adjust their coat orders to better serve the needs of these veterans, ensuring that they could receive appropriate sizes. "We now can almost double our donations at half the cost, and this helps us expand our reach," he said, reflecting on the program's strategic growth and the organization’s dedication to those in need.
Looking Forward
As the event came to a close, Nicole Sheehan, the Equal Opportunities Consultant, helped coordinate the distribution, ensuring that volunteers were paired with school board staff to make the process smooth for the children. "This year, we have beautiful accessories to match the coats, making sure the students feel special," she said, underlining the attention to detail and care that goes into every aspect of the initiative.
In his closing remarks, Sonny Sangemino emphasized the mission of the Knights of Columbus: "This is Faith in Action. We are proud Catholics, and we practice our faith by helping those in need. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible, and let's continue to be a beacon of hope for our community."