For the Kids
This organization has one reason for being, and that is to see to it that the children of less fortunate families in our region have one very basic necessity: warmth during our bitter winters.

We are a Local Charity
Donations of money and used snowsuits go directly back into our community, to children who are the classmates and playmates of our children.

We are a Responsible Charity
Only the children of families truly in need get a snowsuit. We have a rigorous referral and application process to qualify those we help. We accept donations of used snowsuits, and we use funds raised to purchase new, quality snowsuits from Canadian manufacturers at incredibly low wholesale prices. A donation of $35.00 is all it takes to dress a child warmly. All clients who receive a winter clothing allowance through social assistance are charged a nominal $10 administration fee to help defray costs. Of course, our caring staff takes great care to ensure that families truly in need are looked after, regardless of their ability to pay. As we do not receive any government funding, we rely entirely on the generosity of private groups and individuals. We work very hard to ensure that we maximize the money received from these donors - 90 cents of every dollar received goes directly towards supplying snowsuits to our clientele.

Our Support is Broadly-Based
Over the years, the Fund has continued to expand its reach into the community, and today is supported by groups that range from the corporate sector to school children, from the media to members of local and regional councils, from service clubs to community centres. But in all of that, it is still the individual local citizen, who comes forward with used suits or cash donations, or who supports one of the many fundraising events and activities we undertake each year, that we count on most.

The Need is Real and Present
Every year, we anticipate requests for over 15,000 snowsuits - that's a lot of cold kids. And it's going to take a lot of donations of good used suits, plus a lot of cold cash -- nearly $800,000 is our target -- to keep them warm.

Volunteer

Donate
The Snowsuit Fund gratefully accepts donations of cash and knitted articles as well as gently used winter outerwear, hats, mitts and boots of all sizes. We endeavour to provide every eligible child with a brand new snowsuit. However, many of our clientele have older children in need of winter clothing, or the parents themselves are in need of a warm coat. Our good quality used items can help bridge that gap.

To minimize administrative costs, The Snowsuit Fund encourages its supporters to donate to us through Canada Helps. This secure, not-for-profit on-line charity portal enables you to make a donation and receive an immediate tax receipt. Your donation is quickly and easily directed to The Snowsuit Fund, thereby allowing us to stretch your gift even further. Click here to make a donation now!

Alternatively, click here to download our donation form. Simply print it, fill it in and mail it along with your cheque or credit card information to:

The Snowsuit Fund
225 Donald Street
Unit 134
Ottawa, ON
K1K 1N1

Donations may be brought directly to the Depot from Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 4 pm from September to February (open Saturdays 9am-4pm during peak periods... call ahead to make sure!)

The following businesses also collect donations on our behalf: Any Bank of Montreal (cash), Canadian Tire (snowsuits and cash), Browns Cleaners (snowsuits and cash), Balmoral Insurance Brokers Ltd. in Richmond (snowsuits and cash).

Hold a Special Event
Our funding comes directly from generous groups and individuals in the Ottawa area. If you would like to hold a fundraising event on our behalf, we would love to hear from you! You are only limited by your imagination - why not try…

• Guest Performer/Speaker (comedian, hypnotist, musician)
• Raffle or Auction (with items donated by local businesses)
• Bake Sale
• Dance-A-Thon
• Pancake Breakfast
• Haircut Challenge
• Teacher/Student Competition
• Spaghetti Dinner
• Variety Show
• Dance

In order to make your fundraiser as easy, successful and fun as possible, consider the following tips:

• Register your fundraiser with us. Click here to download a registration form and simply fax or mail it back to us. Alternatively, e-mail snowsuitfund.fundraising@gmail.com with details of your event.
• Give yourself plenty of time to plan for a successful event.
• Be sure to inform the local media.
• The Snowsuit Fund has posters, buttons, stickers, logos and money boxes to help you with your campaign.  Our Board Members are also more than happy to speak to your group to help build enthusiasm for your project.  Please provide us plenty of advance notice if you would like to use these resources.
• Would you like your event advertised on our website?  Let us know.
• As a registered charitable organization, The Snowsuit Fund is able to issue tax receipts for some donations.  Please check with us prior to your event to ensure that your event and the donations it generates are eligible for a tax receipt in accordance with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.
• Special events are the responsibility of the third party, but we are more than happy to guide and support you.  Please call us with any questions you may have (613-746-5143).