The Joy of A Pink Coat - Inside the Bronte Winter Coat Drive

Currently, a small group of volunteers from Walton, Epiphany, and St. Dominic Churches and the with the support of Oakville Hydro, Bronte BIA and the Knights of Columbus, St. Dominic Parish CWL, are collecting winter coats.

On Sunday, August 17th, we, with the assistance of the Bronte BIA, will host a Fill The Big Yellow Chair Event at the Bronte Farmer’s Market.

If you haven't had the opportunity to declutter or even contemplated the need for new winter coats, hats, gloves, and boots during this pleasant summer weather, there are more opportunities to donate in September. You can drop off your donations at St. Dominic School on Rebecca and Jones Street. Look for our sign. The collection will take place from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday, September 6, 13, 20, and 27.

Last year, we distributed nearly 1,600 coats to over 1,000 individuals (families, individuals, and couples). The need this year will even be greater, as food and rent inflation is diverting limited financial resources away from essential needs such as a warm winter coat.

The Coat Drive has been ongoing for 10 years. Each year, beyond providing assistance to numerous individuals in need, the volunteers are rewarded by meaningful interactions that reaffirm their commitment to volunteering.

I would like to share a story from one of our distribution days, where the coats donated to us were distributed to those in need.

With the racks set up and organized, the gymnasium at St. Dominic School was filled. Additional tables were set up to accommodate mittens, gloves, hats, scarves, and some footwear.

Even before the doors were opened, people began to line up early in the morning. Over the course of the morning, the line became so long that people were waiting for their turn, and the hall was filled to capacity before spilling outdoors.

Despite the fall weather conditions, there was a palpable sense of joy and hope in the air. As individuals entered the hall and began searching for a coat, mittens, or hat, we witnessed smiles emerge as they found something that fit, had some style, and made them feel good.

For many individuals, English was not even a second language. When I observe those smiles, a remarkable lyric from Crosby Stills and Nash’s “Wooden Ships” comes to mind: “If you smile at me, I will understand, for that is something everyone everywhere does in the same language.”

Amidst the smiles of those diligently searching for coats and the dedicated volunteers, a language barrier was effortlessly transcended.

The interactions we engage in throughout the day can have a profound impact on our lives.

While transferring coats from a partially empty rack to another, my attention was drawn to a small family—a mother, a son, and a daughter. It was evident that the daughter was apprehensive about being there, and the reasons for this apprehension remain uncertain. However, it is plausible that she may have been fearful or concerned that the coat she required might not fit or be suitable for school wear. Peer pressure during adolescence, particularly at the ages of 11 or 12, can be devastating.

Her mother endeavoured to assist them, and as they navigated through the racks, they discovered a pink coat. The young girl attempted to wear it, and it fit flawlessly, appearing almost brand new. It featured a faux fur hood and sparkling details on the front. The fear and sadness expression on her face transformed into a smile, which eventually led to a look of pure joy. She was captivated by the coat, and I can only imagine her excitement to wear it to school and share it with her friends on Monday morning.

At the conclusion of the day, I shared my observations with another volunteer. She had witnessed the same interaction. Both of us acknowledged that those fleeting moments had a profound impact on us and reinforced the invaluable rewards of volunteering. It made our day truly special.

Another volunteer shared a heartwarming story of a woman, possibly of Syrian origin, who was a new Canadian seeking a winter coat. She had tried on several coats and clearly desired warmth, but she also yearned for something more stylish. The volunteer recalled a designer long coat in excellent condition and diligently searched for it. She brought the coat to the woman, and she tried it on. The fit was impeccable, and once again, the language barrier vanished through a smile of joy and gratitude.

Having resided in Bronte my entire life and also contributed to a small group in Halton to construct the Salvation Army Shelter on South Service Road, I have long been aware of the pervasive existence of poverty and need in Oakville.

This reality is evident in the substantial demands placed on the Food Banks and the numerous organizations that provide assistance to individuals and families in dire straits. Notably, Oakville’s situation stands out in its lack of public visibility compared to Toronto or Hamilton. However, it is a reality that is both tangible and on the rise. While Oakville boasts a high level of affluence, there are individuals who grapple with significant challenges in securing adequate housing, as Oakville holds the distinction of being the most expensive place to rent in all of Canada. Furthermore, Oakville has the highest incidence of childhood poverty within the Halton Region.

In the hope that this narrative about the transformative power of a pink coat will provide you with some insight into the fate of the coat you inadvertently dropped off and its impact on peoples lives. As volunteers and for those who donate coats, we will not solve poverty. But we will provide an important gift of warmth. Warmth so that walk to school is not unbearable or waiting in line at the food bank doesn't seem so long. Or the walk to the bus stop to head out looking for a job is a little bit more comfortable.

I regularly attend the Lake Notes Concerts during the summer months. Here, both new and seasoned residents engage in discussions about the profound sense of community that permeates the village and their unwavering affection for it. Simultaneously, there is a palpable apprehension that this cherished sense of community may be lost as the village undergoes its inevitable evolution and transformation.

A strong sense of community is nurtured through active engagement and involvement. Regrettably, securing volunteers and assistance presents as much of a challenge as securing donations for coats and food. If you possess the requisite time, even a few hours, I encourage you to explore the numerous organizations that serve our community or organize a neighbourhood food, coat drive, or even a barbecue. By taking the initiative to connect with your neighbours and understand their needs, you will discover a vibrant community spirit that you will undoubtedly cherish and value.