OTTAWA, October 30, 2019 – With an estimated 16,000 Ottawa children in need of snowsuits this year, the Snowsuit Fund has once again opened its doors to keep Ottawa’s children warm. The fund officially kicked-off its 2019-2020 season with a previous client presenting a snowsuit to one of the many children from the region who will come to the Snowsuit Fund for warmth.
Sherrilynne Starkie was only 20 when she was left with two children both under two years of age, no spousal support and having to work part-time in retail to make ends meet. She first came to know of the Snowsuit Fund when she was referred through the baby girls’ daycare centre. Having enough money for essentials was her focus. Getting snowsuits for her daughters was nothing short of miraculous!
With this kind of sustained support, Sherrilynne went on to Algonquin to get a PR diploma and began what has become an international career while raising her two girls with their step-father. Knowing that being outside in the winter is an important part of growing up in Ottawa, and grateful for the Snowsuit Fund when she needed it most, has inspired this now successful mother and career professional to do her bit to help today’s young families.
Sherrilynne recently promoted a Facebook birthday fundraiser for the Fund and was on hand to say a few words about her full circle travels from Snowsuit Fund client to donor. An incredible journey for an accomplished and dedicated woman!
Early fundraising support this year came from the Tim Horton’s 2019 Smile Cookie campaign, an annual fundraising campaign that raised more than $185,500 this year: enough to provide snowsuits for over 4,000 needy children. Smile cookie pop-up shops at City Folk Festival and St Laurent Centre, as well as a new corporate online ordering initiative, helped increase the funding total.
This season marks the Snowsuit Fund’s 38th year of serving thousands of families in need in the Ottawa region through the provision of warm winter clothing. Upcoming fundraising activities include the annual Ottawa Police Service Gala (November 9, 2019, at the Shaw Centre) – The Snowsuit Fund is a beneficiary this year. A BRAND NEW EVENT, the Snowsuit Fund SnowBall, a multi-chef cocktail style fundraiser, is planned for February. Every $45 raised provides one child with a warm snowsuit.
People who wish to make a donation of either a snowsuit – new or used – or cash may do so at any of the following locations: Canadian Tire stores, Brown’s Cleaners and the Snowsuit Fund Depot at 225 Donald Street. Cash donations may also be left at Bank of Montreal branches.
