Coats on Finlay Returns Sat Oct 18
Coats on Finlay returns again this year on October 18; it has become an annual endeavour.
“Inspired by a group in Ireland, Hatters are bringing love and generosity before it gets really cold out there!”
How It Works
Drop your gently used coats, mitts, touques, gloves, boots, scarves to Finlay Bridge. Wire hangers work best for hanging coats; the Coats on Finlay crew will have some hangers available. If you are unable to make it on that day, PM Coats on Finlay on Facebook and they can make arrangements for an early drop off.
You are welcome to take what you need whether you are donating or not.
“What isn’t taken during the day, stays on the bridge overnight for those who couldn’t get down during the day or prefer to ‘shop’ later in the evening. The leftovers are removed Sunday morning at 8 am and they are donated elsewhere.” (Coats on Finlay)
Coats On Finlay History
Coats on Finlay was the brainchild of Kym Porter and Helen Snortland; the idea came to them around New Year’s in 2018. They started making plans and held the first Coats on Finlay that year.
In 2019 they received about 200 coats.
In 2021 they received 1000 coats. Here is a Facebook post from that event by our newly elected Mayor Linnsie Clark. The Owl (Community TV) did this video.
Over the years, the founders have received help from friends who volunteered, support from the college nursing students as well as the college rec dept who collected coats for them at a hockey game.
In 2024, they estimate that another 1000 coats were donated.
This summer, the Coats on Finlay crew did a similar event for footwear called Take a Walk in the Park. Here is the Owl’s coverage of that event. The poem below is from Coats on Finlay.
Twas The Day Before Coats On Finlay
Twas the day before Coats on Finlay when all thru the town
People cleaned out their closets and made a happy sound
They sang some songs and shouted with glee
‘My closets look better, just come and see.’
They packed up their donations and put them in their car
They knew on Saturday they didn’t have to go far
Finlay Bridge stood proudly waiting for all the warm coats
That would soon be removed from individual totes
Children and others felt grateful on this day
As they left the bridge with warm clothes to go play
Our citizens are kind and generous too
We look out for each other, that’s what we do
So thank you Medicine Hat for helping us look out
For those in need, your kindness is never in doubt.
If Anybody Wishes To Help Coats On Finlay Or To Donate,
Please Contact Them Through TheirFacebook Page
Photo Courtesy of Coats on Finlay
