In 2009 Mathew came up with the idea to start Coats For Calgary while volunteering at the Calgary Food Bank. With Mathew's vast database in Calgary and his career in Real Estate, he went to work contacting businesses throughout the city in the hopes of partnering together to collect warm jackets from the beginning of fall, through to Christmas when the coats are donated.

After witnessing the significant lack of warm clothing during the harsh winter months, I wanted to try and help in any way I could. To do something impactful and to make a difference for the people who need it most.

2022 marks the eleventh annual jacket drive with the hopes to surpass our previous impressive record of over 6,000 jackets donated. With over 40 sponsors and businesses involved this year, the goal is to surpass that amount, a number Mathew never thought would be obtainable when first kicking off the jack drive 12 years ago.

We live in such an incredible city with so many giving and generous people. The least we can do is try and lend a helping hand to those less fortunate in our city. To me, coming together for the greater good and giving back is the definition of community. I am proud to be a part of this community and honoured to be able to continue this initiative year over year.

About Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society

For more than 50 years, the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society has delivered services and supports to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Open 365 days a year, twenty-four hours a day, the Calgary Drop-In sleeps over 1,000 people per night and serves approximately 3,000 meals a day. The Calgary Drop-In offers emergency services to over 20,000 Calgarians each year. It also offers affordable housing: Bridgeland Manor is a 48-unit market rent and affordable housing apartment that provides stable and independent living for seniors; Sundial is a 114 unit apartment building, offering market rent and affordable housing together in a community setting. The Calgary Drop-In relies on monetary donations to fund its fifty programs and services.

Donations can be made online at calgarydropin.ca/donate

Learn more at calgarydropin.ca

Drop-Off Locations

1600 World Bier Haus

1600 90 Avenue SW

722 World Bier Haus

601, 722 85 Street SW

Alberta Fire & Flood

7029 Farrell Road SE

Auburn House

200 Auburn Bay Blvd SE

Balance Auto Garage

3603A Edmonton Trail

Bonavista Promenade

755 Lake Bonavista Drive SE

Brix + Barrel

351 4 Avenue SW

Buffalo Bob's Canadian Pub

126, 3715 51 Street SW

California Tan

272, 10816 MacLeod Trail S

Carbet Waite LLP

2300, 645 7 Avenue SW

Douglasdale Family Chiropractic

1, 3451 Douglasdale Blvd SE

Gold's Gym

Douglasdale - 11540 24 Street SE

House of Cars

4525 Bowfort Road NW

3909 Macleod Trail

1323 McKnight Blvd NE

1734 50 Street SE

2410 24 Street NE

5329 1A Street SW

5205 76 Avenue SE

7395 11 Street SE

Kahane Law Office

7309 Flint Road SE

Kings Fitness

4109 11 Street SE

Mercedes Benz Country Hills

2450 Country Hills Blvd NE

ProColor Collision Calgary Central

925 46 Avenue SE

Righteous Gelato

#110, 221 19 Street SE

Riteway Signs

Bay 15, 4905 102 Avenue SE

Royop

510, 211 11 Avenue SW

SiteOne Landscape Supply

9421 48 Street SE

6924 13 Street SE

262111 Balzac Blvd (Balzac)

Speed Factor Racing

239 Mayland Place NE, Unit 106

Staging Calgary

141 Royal Oak Green NW

Tom's House of Pizza

7730 MacLeod Trail SW

17103 James McKevitt Rd SW

300, 235 Milligan Dr, Okotoks

4812 Center Street NE

Trolley 5 Brewpub

728 17th Avenue SW

The Trop Bar & Grill

1501 34 Avenue SW

Westmount Charter School

2215 Uxbridge Drive NW

YYC Cycle

1117B Kensington Road NW

101, 3505 14 Street SW

4118 University Ave NW