Now in its 17th year Coats for Kids is back at the Victoriaville Mall to provide warm winter clothing for those who are less fortunate.

The event was organized in partnership with the Ontario English Catholic Teachers Elementary Unit, the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board and the Catholic Principals‘ Council of Thunder Bay..

The clothing was gathered earlier this year at schools under the TBCDSB, which were then washed and transported through a donation from Barb’s Laundromat and Iron Range bus services.

While the event is geared in title towards a certain demographic Chair Sarah Powlowski explains the cold doesn’t discriminate so larger sizes have also been made available.

“Families have gotten rid of and shared their adult clothing, so we have an adults space in the mall here, and we have a child space. We like to say Coats for Kids but I guess its families, and we’re just hoping to keep families warm this winter.”

Those looking to pick up clean, gently used winter outerwear, which included coats, snow pants, toques, mittens and other items, can do so at Victoriaville Mall between 11:00 a.m. Monday through Friday this week, with the final day of distribution taking place on November 11th between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.