Have a pair of mittens or a toque that's still in good shape, but you don't wear any more?
If so, All Nations Church is looking for you.
All Nations Church is collecting mittens, toques and scarves for its Mountain of Mittens campaign, which aims to give kids in Sudbury a helping hand by providing warmth on cold winter days.
The official launch of Mountain of Mittens happens Friday night at Sudbury Arena when the Sudbury Wolves face off against the Peterborough Petes, said campaign co-ordinator Ken Wilson. Fans will be be able to buy a pair of children's mittens for $3, then toss them on the ice during intermission to help build the Mountain of Mittens.
Wilson has lived in Greater Sudbury most of his life. He grew up in poverty, and has always wanted to be able to give back to the community the same way his family was helped when he was a youth.
“One of the things that struck me growing up, and I didn't find out about it until later, was my mom didn't know when the next meal was coming, and then someone would come in and give us food, or help us get through to the next time we could get food,” Wilson said. “I jumped at the opportunity here to help out and find a way to help these kids.”
It's the second year for Mountain of Mittens, which collected enough for children at 15 area schools last year.
“Last year, we said this wasn't something we could just do once, so we are bringing it back this year,” Wilson said. “We want to blow that number out of the water this year and help every kid in Sudbury who might need a hat and mittens. That way, they won't have to sit inside the school when their friends are outside playing. We encourage any school in need to contact us, and we will add them to the list.”
This year, a number of sponsors have also jumped on board, with Interpaving Limited being the main sponsor. Day Construction, Manitoulin Transport, Gin-Cor Industries and the Sudbury Wolves are also helping out.
All Nations Church will continue to build the Mountain of Mittens throughout the winter months. They are accepting cash donations ($10 will help provide warm hands for three children), as well as new and gently used gloves and mittens.
Want to donate? Here's where you can do it:
- All Nations Church, 414 St. Raphael St.
- Church of the Epiphany, 85 Larch St.
- St. Andrew United, 111 Larch St.
- Church of the Christ the King, 21 St. Anne Rd.
If you can't make the Wolves' game on Friday, you can also visit Mountainofmittens.ca and contribute financially to the campaign.
