Kym Porter, left, and Helen Snortland are the organizers of Coats on Finlay. (Photo Courtesy Ross Lavigne)

By Chris Brown

Coats on Finlay back to warm people and hearts

Oct 31, 2022 | 1:20 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – The intent is to keep people in the community warm, but Coats on Finlay is a heart-warming initiative as well.

Kym Porter and Helen Snortland started Coats on Finlay in 2020, encouraging people that can to hang coats on Finlay Bridge, and those who need one to pick one up, free of charge and no questions asked.

Snortland says there were about 300 items donated the first year and even more last year when donations stretched from one end of the bridge to the other. She feels the need in the community is even greater this year.

“Right now people are struggling as we know with rising food costs especially and rents and everything. This is just an opportunity for families and individuals to come down and clothe their family in just some warm gear,” she says.

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Environment Canada is forecasting snow and temperatures dropping to -10 C on Wednesday. It will get colder later in the week, with a high of -10 forecast for Sunday.

Porter says they won’t turn away any donations of warm winter materials and in the past people have dropped off mitts gloves, hats, toques, scarves and even some ski pants.

She says people can start dropping off and picking up on Saturday afternoon.

“We leave the coats out overnight and until about 8 o’clock the next morning then The Post will come, collect the coats and they’ll be available continuing for free through … The Post as well as some of them will go to Caring Coats at Salvation Army Resource Centre.”

Both call Coats on Finlay a small project that can help many people.

Porter says it’s helpful to bring a hanger with your donation if possible.

Find more information on the Coats on Finlay Facebook page.