HAVAN’s 24th annual Coats for Kids campaign, in support of the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus, two groups whose many initiatives help to provide a brighter winter for low-income families wrapped up on December 6th at Trail Appliances, 3388 Sweden Way, Richmond, from 8:30am to 10:30am.
HAVAN member companies provided 72 drop-off locations across 16 Metro Vancouver municipalities for people to donate new and gently used coats, scarves, gloves, blankets and new unwrapped toys and gifts for children of all ages through the month of November.
To help amplify this great initiative, HAVAN member companies gathered to build and present one GIGANTIC heartwarming mountain of coats to the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus on Friday, December 6th at Santa’s Workshop (aka Trail Appliances.)
HAVAN members more than doubled last year’s cash donation with a grand total of $10,100.00. Accepting the cheque on behalf of the Bureaus, Lisa Werring, Executive Director Surrey Christmas Bureau emphasized the importance of the donation to cover food costs for families over the holiday season, noting many refugee families who will benefit from the contributions. HAVAN CEO Ron Rapp welcomed everyone and made note of the magnification of everyone’s efforts when collectively gathering to help families in need.
Over 150 people joined in the festivities – including the Grinch, Cindy Loo and Max too! (check out the photos and video via links below). The Partita Choir, Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs arrived on ‘Santa’s Sleigh’ (provided by Wesgroup Equipment) to sing by the Christmas tree, while members and guests dropped off donations enjoyed Buddy’s Hot Breakfast Bar, sponsored by Tradesmen International and Falcon Homes, the Gingerbread Man’s Cookie Decoration Station sponsored by TQ Construction in partnership with Snow Cap; a Customizable Hot Chocolate Bar sponsored by Designs by KS, plus photos with Santa in the Sub Zero room, compliments of Miracon Development. Coffee supplied by Starbucks Columbia Square Plaza, cookies by Vancouver Community College, and Directional signs, courtesy of Surrey Digital to light the way.
