Three years ago, Joanna Cox got a group of her friends together and hung up about 75 winter coats throughout downtown Sudbury.
The coats were there for anyone in need, she said.
“I saw the idea online, and I thought it would be a great idea for Sudbury,
and a huge help for people in need of coats,” Cox said. "We're making coats
accessible to people who don't necessarily feel comfortable asking for
help."
“As fast as we put them on the poles, they're gone. That tells me there's a need, and we're helping to fill that need.”
In its second year, the number of coats doubled to 150. This year, there are more than 150 coats being hung up around Sudbury's downtown core. Cox and about 15 other volunteers with the Rotary Club of Sudbury Sunrisers spent about two hours hanging up the coats.
“This is our third year now, and this year it's a Rotary service project,”
she said. “I'm a Rotary Sunriser, and this is a natural project for our
club.”
She said she just wants to provide a little warmth for others. It's also a great way to kick off Random Acts of Kindness Week, which takes place Feb. 12-18.
“When we perform acts of kindness, it brings wellness to the people who are giving, as well as to the people who are receiving,” she said. “It fosters a kind, caring and generous community.”
Each coat came with a coupon for a free coffee to redeem at Old Rock
Roastery.
“Not only are we keeping people warm on the outside, we are also warming
them up on the inside,” Cox said.
