HAVAN Wraps Up Coats for Kids Campaign with $10,000 Cash Donation

HAVAN Media Release

December 8, 2021

For immediate release

HAVAN Wraps Up Coats for Kids Campaign with $10,000 Cash Donation.

VANCOUVER, BC: Friday, December 3, 2021, HAVAN members attended the annual Wrap-Up Holiday Party hosted at Trail Appliances, Richmond, to amplify the spirit of giving in support of the 26th annual Coats for Kids Campaign, an initiative to collect gently used coats, and new toys, in support of the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus, helping families in need this winter season.

The Homebuilders Association Vancouver understands the power of community and recognizes any task at hand is easier when working together. HAVAN CEO Ron Rapp noted, ‘fanning out across 13 municipalities with 59  Coats for Kids HAVAN-member drop-off locations helped to create a support system to alleviate potential donation fatigue that charities often experience this time of the year.’ And the results paid off, big-time, with members bringing in donations that filled two 5-tonne trucks at the wrap-up party. Rapp reflected, ‘seeing all of the donations in one place really helps amplify the spirit of giving.’

It is estimated over the past 26 years, HAVAN members have collected 80,000+ coats for kids and teenagers, along with mountains of new toys. Recognizing the Christmas Bureaus’ charitable status increases their buying power, HAVAN has started to collect cash donations too. Raising $10,000 this year has brought the total cash donations to $55,000 since 2018.

Speaking with Lower Mainland executive director Chris Bayliss, he said, ‘this year the bureaus are working to support their communities, while also reaching out to support municipalities in the Fraser Valley impacted by the devastating floods. Cash helps as it is immediate, and we can purchase to meet a family’s need.’

The continued need is real. HAVAN’s Coats for Kids Campaign is now closed, however both the Lower Mainland and Surrey Christmas Bureaus remain open, working tirelessly, to ensure families have a brighter holiday season. Donations can be dropped off directly at one of the following locations.

Surrey Christmas Bureau / Toy Depot

13853 – 104 Avenue, Surrey

Open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm, Saturday 9am – 4pm, Sunday closed.

Lower Mainland Christmas Bureau
1870 Pandora St, Vancouver
Open Monday – Friday, 10am – 4:30pm, closed Saturday and Sunday.

View the complete list of HAVAN member companies supporting Coats for Kids.

MEDIA CONTACT: Dawn Sondergaard — 778-373-9783

The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) is an association of 1,100 knowledgeable, trusted, local professional members who build over 65% of Metro Vancouver’s homes. Recognized as leaders in the homebuilding industry since 1974, our members include builders, developers, renovators, designers, suppliers, sub-trades, and leading industry professionals. Proudly affiliated with CHBA-BC, and CHBA National, HAVAN’s core focus is on educating, networking, and advocating for the purpose of meeting Metro Vancouver’s housing needs.

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