Warm winter jackets hung from the Finlay Bridge on Saturday to help people in need (Tiffany Goodwein/ CHATNewsToday)

By Tiffany Goodwein

Coats on Finlay provides warmth to families in need

Nov 14, 2021 | 10:17 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB- Hundreds of coats hung from the Finlay Bridge on Saturday, as part of an effort to help people who need some extra warmth this winter.

Jackets for adults, teens, and even kids hung from the bridge. Warm toques, scarves, boots, and mittens were also available for people of all ages.

Adam Fisk came with his entire family in search of some winter gear. Like many families, the past few months have been challenging financially.

“Between the cost of groceries, the cost of gas. It just seems like everything goes up on a daily basis, but the only thing that isn’t is how much people are making,” he said.

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For his two kids Maryssa, and Noah, finding some new winter clothes that they can wear to school was an exhilarating feeling.

“It’s awesome because now we can actually have something that is warm,” 12-year-old Maryssa said.

“Because we don’t have enough money to get stuff,” said nine-year-old Noah.

Prior to attending Coats on Finlay, the two kids didn’t have much in the way of winter clothing, and they were worried about how they would get through the frigid winters.

“We had a jacket but not for winter, more for like spring, and we have sweaters but barely any. So it is nice that we can come here and get all that stuff,” 12-year-old Maryssa said.

Kym Porter, co-organizer of Coats on Finlay said helping families and individuals in need is exactly what they aim to do. Porter said the cost of a basic winter jacket can be a significant expense for families.

“Some people would have to make a choice then between putting food on the table, paying a bill or having a warm coat for themselves or their kids in the winter,” Porter said.

Any donations that were not picked up at Coats on Finlay will be donated to The Post Thrift Store, as part of Caring Coats, which provides free winter clothing to people in need.