With over 1,800 pieces of winter clothing collected last year during Coats for Christmas, those with Volunteer Nanaimo are hoping to collect even more this year. (Submitted)

By Jordan Davidson

gift of warmth

‘So grateful for it:’ Volunteer Nanaimo collecting Coats for Christmas

Dec 10, 2025 | 4:28 PM

NANAIMO — An annual campaign to keep people warm is back this weekend, thanks to the hard work and dedication of local volunteers.

Donations for Coats for Christmas will be accepted on Saturday, Dec. 13, from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church at 4235 Departure Bay Rd.

Put on by the Youth Network of Volunteer Nanaimo, event coordinator Chimera Carew said it’s their annual community initiative in partnership with the Salvation Army New Hope Centre.

“We collect gently used coats, jackets, socks, and new underwear for individuals and families who need it in the winter. Last year we had 1,800 pieces of clothing, and we’re hoping to surpass that this year.”

Donations of these winter items will be accepted on Saturday, and then delivered to the New Hope Centre at 19 Nicol St. for local distribution.

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Carew said other warm clothing, like long underwear, toques, and winter gloves, are often forgotten about by donors, as they’ll accept any clothing meant to keep people warm.

“We had many people last year come and actually pick out coats on the day of, and I knew they were all so happy for getting them. I just know they were so grateful for it. We also had cookies last year, and they were also very happy for that too.”

She said while the demand for these items seems to increase every year, the amount of donations continues to increase as well.

More information can be found here at the YouthNetwork Nanaimo Facebook page.

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