The 15th annual Spread the Warmth coat drive is underway.

Gear Up for Outdoors is collecting clean, new or gently used coats outside its Alloy Place location from now until December 17th. The coats go to clients at Shelter House, Grace Place, Clothing Assistance, and Precious Bundles.

Gear Up For Outdoors President Jon Wynn is impressed with how the community has supported the drive over the years.

“It’s one of those ‘pinch me’ moments,” he says. “After 15 years of doing this, and almost 15,000 articles of clothing have been captured for those less fortunate, I would say Thunder Bay is a city with a giant heart.”

Thunder Bay-Superior North MP Patty Hajdu awarded Wynn with a certificate celebrating the drive’s 15th anniversary.

Shelter House Executive Director Michelle Jordan says without the drive, they wouldn’t be able to provide coats to people using the shelter or living in poverty.

“It means a lot to clients. A lot of times, they’re out and about during the day, they may not have access to the bus or that sort of thing, so they might be exposed to the elements,” she notes.

Children’s coats will go to Precious Bundles. Board member Emily Shandruk emphasizes they are hoping for a good turnout so they won’t need to turn away families in need.

“Winter coats are definitely an area–especially with the older kids, ages seven to 16–where we get very few donations. So this winter coat drive sustains us for the season,” Shandruk explains.

Each coat must be in its own clear plastic bag labelled with the age group, gender, and size. Shelter House’s SOS van will pick up the coats at least once a week and distribute them to the three organizations.

Donating gets you a discount on a new coat at Gear Up for Outdoors, and your name will be entered into a draw for one of five $100 gift cards to The Keg Steakhouse and Bar.