Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids Program Hits Record to Keep Kids Warm this Winter

Knights of Columbus in Ontario donated a record-breaking 20,736 new winter coats to children in need this year through its Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program. The Ontario chapter of the organization surpassed its target thanks to the tireless work of its members who collected funds at countless events held throughout the year at its more than 450 councils across the province.

“Providing coats for kids and veterans is the perfect example of the work we do day in and day out,” says David Gelinas, State Deputy for the Knights of Columbus in Ontario. “Charity drives us to meet needs in our community and areas where people are suffering. We’re men who care about others because we care about our shared faith.”

The main recipients of coats included school boards and organizations like McGregor Community Centre in Toronto, Indigenous communities in Northern Ontario, the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul and Veteran House in Ottawa.

“We’re thrilled by the results, but at the same time, we’re concerned about the growing need we see in our communities and families,” says Sonny Sangemino, General Agent with Knights of Columbus Insurance, who has been contributing to the program for over a decade. “This year’s campaign is another stark reminder that many Canadians are experiencing financial struggles and need the help of a community.”

The Canadian Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program started in Ontario in 2016 with 2,676 coats donated. Since then, the program has grown to nearly 2 million coats distributed in Canada and the United States. Last year alone, the Knights in Canada donated 40,000 coats with a total of 18,000 in Ontario.

The more than 57,000 Knights in Ontario — 200,000 in Canada — have now started a new season of gathering funds for the 2026-2027 winter coats program.

For more information or to make a donation, visit kofc.org/coatsforkids.