BARRHEAD - It has become an annual tradition.
Every year for the last 34 years, Barrhead Cleaners has taken in gently used winter coats, ski pants and other winter apparel, such as toques, scarves, and mittens, cleaned them and then helped redistribute them to people in need, most notably children, as part of the Coats For Kids program.
However, Aaron Lee, co-owner of Barrhead Cleaners, said it is a tradition they would like to break.
"We've always said we would continue this as long as there is a need for it," he said, adding that, regrettably, this is not the year, noting Barrhead and District Family Community Support Services (FCSS), which distributes the items has asked them to continue the service for another year.
In 2023, 38 individuals accessed the program, and to date, in 2024, 34 people.
"It was Al Blackmere who spearheaded the whole thing," Lee said. "Al, who was the publisher of the Barrhead Leader, approached my father [Lane Lee] after he noticed that there were a lot of children in the community who didn't seem to have proper winter clothing, and he asked him to be willing to collect, clean and help distribute the coats to needy families."
In turn, Blackmere would ensure the word about the initiative got out. As time progressed, other sponsors, such as long-time sponsor Servus Credit Union, stepped forward to help cover the cleaning costs.
As the initiative grew, it quickly became evident that a new system was needed.
Initially, the program started small. People would drop off their gently used winter attire at Barrhead Cleaners, where they would clean them and sometimes make minor repairs to the garments.
However, as the demand and generosity of area residents grew beyond their ability to store and distribute the apparel, which is when Lee said his father asked FCSS to step in and help with the distribution side.
When asked if there are any particular sizes or ages that are more difficult to fill, Lee and FCSS program assistant Pamela Griffith said all sizes, from infant to adult, are needed, but often winter wear that will fit teens is the hardest to fill.
"But it changes from year to year," he said, adding there is no set size, especially for teenagers.
Lee also points out that they accept all donations, adding they bring surplus and leftover items FCSS cannot use into the city and give them to organizations such as the Bissell Centre or Mustard Seed.
Anyone interested in donating winter outerwear for Coats For Kids can drop off their donations at Barrhead Cleaners, 5013-51 Street, during regular business hours from Oct. 8 to 22. All donations should be in good condition because, although Barrhead Cleaners launders all the items and can make minor repairs to the clothing, they do not have the time or ability to make significant repairs. Servus Credit Union, 4929 50 Avenue, is also taking donations.
Lee also noted Westlock Cleaners (10115-104 Avenue), which he also operates with his father, is also accepting donations for that community's FCSS' Coats for Kids program and items can also be dropped of there.
People picking up winter wear can do so at Barrhead FCSS (at the corner of 51 Street and 51 Avenue) Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. starting Oct. 23.
Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com
