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, into the new year 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.
2026 marks the sixteenth annual jacket drive with the hopes to surpass our previous impressive record of over 10,000 lbs of jackets donated. With over 80 expected supporters, drop-off locations 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 jacket drive 16 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.
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/coatsforcalgary
Learn more at calgarydropin.ca
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For more information or to get involved, please contact us at give@coatsforcalgary.ca