THUNDER BAY - With snow finally piling up outside, more and more kids are busy rushing out the door to build snowmen, snow forts, and just enjoy the season. But for some children, going outside to play, or even walking to school in the winter, can be a challenge because of a lack of proper clothing.
Two local business owners want to help ensure that all children stay warm this winter season with a sizeable donation of winter jackets to a local school board.
Tony LaChimea of Youngs Insurance Brokers and Val Glymitas of First General, donated more than $10,000 worth of winter jackets to the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board on Tuesday.
“We realized, talking to friends of mine, teachers, people out in the public, that some kids come to school with no jackets, just sweaters,” said LaChimea.
“We’ve been doing this charity event of ours for over five years now and we just know there is a need in the city,” LaChimea continued. “It just feels good to give back to the community as much as we can. I know it’s a little dent, but every bit counts.”
Pino Tassone, the director of education with the Catholic School Board, said there is actually a growing need within the school board and the community at large when it comes to proper winter clothing.
“Obviously it is not enough to fulfill our needs, but it will put a dent into it in terms of jackets during this time of the year,” Tassone said.
“People don’t recognize that there are a lot of social barriers and poverty within our community, but also within our own system,” he continued.
Tassone added the board will consult with principals at individual schools to find out where the need is and then the coats will be distributed to the students in a discretionary manner.
“We know there are a lot of students who go without so we are going to tap in on each principal, because they know their communities better than anyone, and we will determine who will receive these jackets,” Tassone said.
The 176 jackets were collected through donations and fundraising and LaChimea said the management and staff at Play-it-Again Sports were a big help when it came to pricing.
“We all know there are a lot of unfortunate kids in this city and families at this time,” LaChimea said. “It’s hard on everyone. This was one little thing we wanted to add and hopefully we can continue this and maybe raise $20,000 worth of jackets next year.”
