Hundreds of vulnerable Tasmanian children are heading into the colder months without proper coats as families struggle with economic pressures.
Charity Tassie Mums has launched its ninth annual Coats for Kids campaign, aiming to collect more than 1,000 children’s coats to help keep kids warm through the colder months.
CEO of Tassie Mums Clair Harris said the charity currently reaches one in five Tasmanian children living in poverty, through its clothing assistance programs, but she wanted to reach every child in need.
“Every child deserves to feel warm and cared for, especially during winter,” Harris told Pulse.
“The generosity of our community has always been the heart of this campaign.”
Harris said many requests for coats come from parents whose children walk to school or catch the bus.
“They need that warm coat that will keep them warm and dry, so that when they do arrive at school they’re ready to sit down and learn,” she said.
“They’re not worried that they’re wet and cold and miserable.”
The charity works with more than 120 social service organisations statewide, including child and family learning centres and school support staff.
The organisations place requests on families’ behalf to maintain privacy.
“Given the current financial climate that we’re in, I’m a little bit nervous this year going into winter and what the numbers are going to look like,” Harris said.
The organisation helps about 3000 vulnerable babies and children across Tasmania each year with clothing, nappies, toiletries and toys.
Donations of clean, pre-loved or new children’s coats in sizes 3 to 14 can be dropped off at 17 Coles supermarket stores across the state or other designated collection points.
The campaign runs through April, ending on May 3.
Financial donations also help the charity purchase new coats and other winter essentials including pyjamas, pants, underwear, socks and shoes.
For more information, go to www.tassiemums.org.
