Hamilton’s Knights of Columbus winter coat donation program breaks annual record

The Ontario Knights of Columbus held their annual Coats for Kids donation event in Hamilton on Wednesday, which has helped provide more than 2 million winter coats to children across North America since 2009.

In Canada, access to a jacket during the harsh winter months is a matter of basic survival, and for most children it’s a given.

But unfortunately for others in the community, it’s not guaranteed.

Coats for Kids is definitely making an impact — last year alone, over 45,000 coats were distributed to children across Canada.

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The Knights of Columbus raise money year-round to buy brand new winter coats for children in need.

The coats are then distributed through Hamilton’s public and Catholic school boards, and given to children that make a request through staff for a new coat.

Last year, the fraternal service organization distributed over 20,000 coats across Ontario.

They topped that this year.

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“Our goal is 22,000 for 2026 — we found out earlier today we hit 20,800, which means we’re going to blow past that,” said Sonny Sangemino with the Knights of Columbus. “We have another two months of the campaign, and the amazing thing is the demand continues to grow even past our goal.”

“I’ve actually had the opportunity to go to schools and drop off coats and to see these kids, first of all get a new coat, not an old refurbished coat, as wonderful as that is as well,” said Sangemino. “It’s something special to see kids get a new coat and know that they’re not going to be cold this winter, and that they’re not going to be singled out as the kid with the donation coat.”

Anyone interested in helping can donate directly through the Ontario Knights of Columbus website.

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