When community and compassion come together, everyone feels a little warmer.
As the temperature drops, kindness continues to rise at the Ottawa Catholic School Board. Thanks to the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, more than 640 brand-new winter coats are being delivered to children and youth across 39 OCSB schools this month.
A Tradition of Giving
The Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program is a long-standing initiative that provides warm winter coats to children in need. Every year, local councils across Canada raise funds to purchase new coats and partner with community organizations and schools to distribute them where they are needed most.
This year's effort was led by the St. Patrick Basilica Council 485, guided by Grand Knight Harold Marcotte. Through the incredible generosity of Father Steve Amesse, Rector of St. Patrick Basilica Church, and his parishioners, nearly all the funds needed for the purchase were raised. Their contributions made it possible for Council 485 to order 312 coats, which then doubled to 624 thanks to a "Buy One Get One" offer from the Knights' Supreme Office.
Three Ottawa Knights councils combined their resources for this year's initiative, choosing Blessed Sacrament Parish as the central location to store, sort, and pack the coats before delivery.
A Morning of Service
At Blessed Sacrament Parish, a small but mighty team of OCSB volunteers, including Louise Vincent, Jennifer Carroll, Karen Ladouceur, and Nancy Bachhuber, spent the morning sorting and packing the coats by size and school. The coats ranged from children's size 4 to adult XL, ensuring that every student who needs one will receive a warm, comfortable fit.
"It was a lot of fun," said Jennifer Carroll. "But surprisingly hard work!" she added with a smile, surrounded by stacks of colourful boxes waiting to be delivered.
The Power of Partnership
The OCSB delivery team will now bring the coats to 39 schools across the city. Principals and school staff identified students who would benefit most, helping ensure that every coat finds a home.
Grand Knight Harold Marcotte of St. Patrick Basilica Council 485 spoke about the importance of community partnership and faith in action. He said:
"The Knights of Columbus have always been about community. When we work together, we can make sure no child goes without a warm coat."
Faith in Action
The Coats for Kids program embodies what it means to live faith through service. It is about neighbours helping neighbours and communities working together to care for children and families.
At the OCSB, we are deeply grateful for the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, the St. Patrick Basilica Church community, Father Steve Amesse, Blessed Sacrament Parish, and all the volunteers who made this project possible. Together, they are building bridges of kindness, one warm coat at a time.
