Jacket Racket Partners with WINS to Provide Winter Clothing for Kids

The long-established program, Jacket Racket, has joined forces with the Women in Need Society (WINS) to provide essential winter clothing for children in Calgary. As it enters its 38th year, Jacket Racket continues its mission of collecting and distributing thousands of winter clothing items to students in need across the city. This partnership aims to address the immediate needs of families facing financial difficulties as winter approaches.

Each year, approximately 2,000 children in Calgary benefit from this initiative, which relies heavily on contributions from around 50 schools in the area. However, the recent teachers’ strike has impacted the program’s ability to collect donations, as educators have been preoccupied with catching up on missed responsibilities. The program works directly with schools to ensure that clothing reaches the students who require it most, providing support with dignity and care.

The collaboration with WINS aims to extend this support to women and children who lack the resources to cope with the harsh winter months. A staggering 64 percent of working women in Calgary earn below the poverty line, highlighting the importance of programs like Jacket Racket and WINS in assisting vulnerable families during colder seasons. For over 30 years, WINS has offered support to women and families through free community programs, focusing on basic needs, emotional assistance, and employment training.

WINS generates revenue through its seven thrift stores and the More Store, reinvesting these funds into community support initiatives. Between September 2024 and February 2025, WINS is projected to distribute over 20,000 coats through its thrift stores, enhancing the reach of both organizations.

“The partnership just makes sense,” said Karen Ramchuk, president and CEO of WINS. “Jacket Racket and Women in Need Society share the same mission, vision, and values — ensuring all Calgarians have access to essentials for their health and safety. Jacket Racket put out a call for help, and WINS answered.”

To facilitate the distribution efforts, WINS has opened its 30,000-square-foot donation centre located at 137 7007 54th St. S.E., which will remain operational until November 17, 2024. This facility will accept donations and host Jacket Racket’s team along with dedicated volunteers as they prepare clothing for distribution. Additionally, WINS is providing critical transportation support to ensure collected items are delivered efficiently to distribution locations. Teachers and staff from participating schools within the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School District will then be able to directly distribute these essential items to students in need.

As temperatures drop, this partnership represents a vital lifeline, ensuring that vulnerable families are not left helpless during the winter months. Through collaboration and community support, Jacket Racket and WINS are working to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and their families in Calgary.