Calgary parents struggle to afford winter clothing for kids

More Calgary parents are struggling to afford winter clothes these days, and more kids are being affected, says a local charity organization.

Mike Shacter, vice president of administration for Project Warmth Society of Alberta, is a registered charitable organization that works “with the homeless and the underprivileged.”

“Our goal is … there will never be a child suffering from the cold in Calgary,” Shacter told CityNews.

“Nowadays, especially with inflation, a lot of people are living very close to the edge … and to go out and buy winter clothing for their children would mean that they’re skipping meals or missing their rent payment.”

Calgary temperatures are expected to plummet Friday night, adding to the challenges for vulnerable Calgarians, including many kids.

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For newcomers navigating a Calgary winter for the first time, Schacter says it’s been particularly challenging, adding that Project Warmth doesn’t only cater to Calgary’s unhoused.

“There’s a lot of immigrant children coming in that have never experienced this weather before,” he said.

“I mean, we also have blankets and sleeping bags. We have gloves, socks, some boots, and scarves. We really try [to] outfit them with everything they need to get through the winter.”

Project Warmth also works with the Calgary Board of Education and Calgary Catholic School Board to ensure students are dressed for the elements.

Anyone needing warm winter clothing for their kids can connect with a school representative, and if you have clothing to donate, those can be dropped off at any fire station across the city.