It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
It Takes our Community to Keep our Kids Warm this Winter
Updated Story as on October 27, 2020
Ottawa, Ontario, October 27, 2020: Like other charities, The Snowsuit Fund (SSF) has pivoted to ensure the organization meets its mandate despite challenging circumstances imposed by COVID-19. What is clear is the following:
16,000+ snowsuits are needed this season
6,500+ families are relying on SSF for support
$50 is the cost to keep one child warm
Trina Fraser, the newly appointed Chairperson of the SSF’s volunteer board of directors is acutely aware of the challenges the City of Ottawa is now facing. However, she also believes, “more than ever, we owe it to the kids in our community to let them experience winter the way we always have – dressed for the cold to be able to play and have fun outside. This continuity and consistency are what all children need to feel secure and safe in these changing times.”
Knowing the stakes are high, The Snowsuit Fund hopes to garner support from the community with new partnerships, new initiatives, and compelling profile stories to make its presence felt on the online airwaves and beyond.
Impact Stories
These are just a few of the many wonderful stories The Snowsuit Fund would like to share.
Robert Sayaphet, who was at one time the new kid on the block all the way from Laos. Robert is thankful for the SSF snowsuits he and his brothers received every year for helping them to blend in and feel like the other kids in the schoolyard. He now gives back and then some.
Sherrilynne Starkie, single mom raising two children – the oldest just a toddler at the time, who used the services and moral support of the SSF to ensure her kids were dressed warmly. In the process, she went back to school and is now a very successful public relations professional. She is determined to return the favour.
Sue Dybka, 7-year Snowsuit Fund volunteer veteran – brought her teenage sons to the Depot every year to help distribute snowsuits. She describes the Depot as a feel-good place that keeps her coming back. Unable to be as hands-on this year due to COVID, Sue made and sold face masks to support The Snowsuit Fund.
New Partnerships with Boomerang Kids + Give Shop
Boomerang Kids is an Ottawa-based chain of resale stores that sell used children’s clothing on a consignment basis. Due to the implications of COVID-19, the SSF cannot accept or distribute used clothing this year. However, gently used and washed snowsuits can be dropped off at 4 convenient Boomerang Kids locations (West Wellington, Old Ottawa South, Barrhaven, Kanata) for resale with 50% of each snowsuit’s sale price donated to SSF.
GiveShop is a new and innovative online marketplace that allows users to donate or purchase gently used items with sale proceeds benefiting The Snowsuit Fund. Donors receive a tax receipt for all items sold on the GiveShop marketplace! The app is free to download and incredibly easy to use. Community and corporate groups can collectively raise funds with Virtual Garage Sales as Canadian Internet Registry Association (CIRA) did recently, generating $2000, the equivalent of 40 brand new snowsuits, for needy kids.
Canadian Tire presents The Snowsuit Fund Gala-In-A Box
Saturday, November 28th
The Snowsuit Fund Gala has been a must-attend event on Ottawa’s social scene for decades. In February 2020, SnowBall – A Cool Winter’s Eve welcomed more than 300 guests for an all-inclusive, multi-level, multi-chef cocktail party experience.
This season, Ottawa Canadian Tire Store Owners have stepped up once again to present The Snowsuit Fund Gala-In-A Box. Beautifully packaged and delivered to your door for safe enjoyment at home, every Gala Box for Two includes a delectable 4-course meal meal “Curated by Beckta”, creative cocktails, fine wines, craft beer, and bespoke gifts. Your-at-home experience also includes custom playlists by local DJs, a live-streamed all-request dance party, online auction presented by Royal Lepage Team Realty and more fun surprises.
Ottawa, October 21, 2020: The Snowsuit Fund Kicking Off 20-21 Season – “This season, The Snowsuit Fund anticipates an increase in the number of families needing our support due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve been helping to keep Ottawa’s vulnerable children warm for almost 40 years, and we have no intention of stopping now, when our community needs us more than ever. We are determined to ensure that every child can enjoy winter the way it’s meant to be enjoyed,” states Trina Fraser, newly appointed Chairperson, The Snowsuit Fund’s Volunteer Board of Directors.
The mandate is clear. The Snowsuit Fund (SSF) is communicating its message with objectives that will fulfill its mission despite challenging circumstances.
16,000+ snowsuits are needed this season
6,500+ families are relying on SSF for support
$50 is the cost of 1 snowsuit
Media Opportunities for Interviews and Features:
Explore the Impact Stories – New Canadian, Single Mom, Volunteer Giving Back
Examine the New Partnerships with Boomerang Kids + the Give Shop
Expand on “Gala-In-A Box” coming November 28th
More details to be released next week.
