By rdnewsNOW staff

Winter coats needed

Blackfalds FCSS rolls out first virtual fundraiser for families in need

Oct 29, 2020 | 7:00 PM

Due to the continuous effects of the coronavirus pandemic, Blackfalds Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) says they have not only seen an uptick in accessing the food bank, but also an increased demand to access subsidized programs, including the Winter Coat Program.

The Winter Coat Program provides brand new winter coats for kids in the community. Officials say demand has risen from 105 children in 2019 to over 150 this year.

“Families in our community with limited resources simply do not have the means to purchase the clothing needed to stay warm in Alberta’s harsh winters,” explained Karie Ackermann, Community Engagement Programmer for FCSS. “The most vulnerable among us are children. It’s hard to play outside, make snow angels, or just be a kid without a warm coat. All children should have a chance to stay active year-round. Community support is crucial for the success of this program.”

In the past years, Blackfalds FCSS has partnered with local businesses and vendors to create the dessert auction night called the Winter Warmth Fall Fundraiser, where tickets could be purchased to join FCSS for a night of entertainment, beverages, and desserts. A live auction would take place which would result in even more monetary donations.

This year, in light of the pandemic a virtual dessert auction is being held through the Town of Blackfalds Facebook page.

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“Blackfalds FCSS is super appreciative of the tremendous support that our programming has seen through this pandemic. We were fortunate to receive an anonymous donation of $7,000 in support of the Winter Coats for Kids program just last week,” shared FCSS Manager Sue Bornn. “There are many caring people that understand the challenges facing families and we are extremely grateful for their support. Thank you very much for helping to keep our kids warm!”

Starting November 2 at 8:30 a.m., the Town of Blackfalds will be posting descriptions of desserts, and the creators providing that dessert, that will be made specifically for the winner and the auction will close at 4:00 p.m. on November 25.

(Town of Blackfalds)