PEIAnnual winter clothing drives are starting up again across Prince Edward Island, but some organizers say this year’s challenge is ensuring there are enough clothes to give away.’Some people are struggling,’ says Coats for Kids organizerThinh Nguyen · CBC News · Posted: Nov 07, 2025 9:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 9 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 3 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by text-to-speech, a technology based on artificial intelligence.Winter clothing donations down in Charlottetown and SummersideAnnual winter clothing drives are starting up again across P.E.I., but this year’s challenge is making sure there are enough clothes to give away. Summerside, Charlottetown and Holland College’s student association say donations are down compared to previous years. CBC’s Gwyneth Egan has more.Annual winter clothing drives are starting up again across Prince Edward Island, but some organizers say this year’s challenge is ensuring there are enough clothes to give away.Sandra Gallagher, who has been involved with the annual Coats for Kids campaign for 15 years, said donations appear to be lower this year, even though organizers have been working hard to spread the word.“We’ve really put a push on, you know, making aware that Coats for Kids is out there, between flyers and contacting the local radio station and churches, schools, daycares,” Gallagher told CBC News.The Coats for Kids campaign in Charlottetown gave away clothing this week, while organizers in Summerside are still collecting donations to distribute this weekend.Gallagher says the campaign continues to look for more items because the need for winter clothing remains high. (CBC)Gallagher said the group continues to look for more items, as the need for warm winter clothing is high this year.“Some people are struggling,” she said.“When you get phone calls and someone tells you it’s a matter of putting gas in the car to go to work, or groceries on the table as opposed to your child getting a new snowsuit…those stories hit home.”Coats for Kids will be hosting another event in Summerside at Credit Union Place this Saturday. Those interested in learning more can find details on the group’s Facebook page.‘It’s a weight off their back’Meanwhile, a student group in Charlottetown is running its own winter clothing drive this month. They were also facing concerns about having enough donations until a recent surprise boost.Ashley Sheppard, who is with the student association of Holland College, said earlier this fall the group worried there might not be enough items to distribute.“Just last week, we got a call and picked up…40 bags worth of donations,” Sheppard said.Ashley Sheppard with the student association of Holland College says the recent pickup of about 40 bags of donations will help students, especially those new to P.E.I.’s winters. (CBC)She said the donations will make a big difference for students, especially for international students who are new to P.E.I. and not used to the Island’s winters.“It’s a weight off their back. You know, $60, $70 for a winter jacket, sometimes upwards of $100 — that’s money that students could be using for groceries, school supplies,” Sheppard said.The group is hoping to receive more donations before its main event on Nov. 18.Anyone interested in donating can drop off items at the Holland College student association’s office, located inside the Weymouth Street entrance of the college’s Charlottetown Centre.With files from Gwyneth Egan
P.E.I. groups ramp up efforts to collect winter clothing donations to meet demand
