In 2009 Mathew came up with the idea to start Coats For Calgary while volunteering at the Calgary Food Bank. With Mathew's vast database in Calgary and his career in Real Estate, he went to work contacting businesses throughout the city in the hopes of partnering together to collect warm jackets from the beginning of fall, through to Christmas when the coats are donated.

After witnessing the significant lack of warm clothing during the harsh winter months, I wanted to try and help in any way I could. To do something impactful and to make a difference for the people who need it most.

2023 marks the thirteenth annual jacket drive with the hopes to surpass our previous impressive record of over 6,000 jackets donated. With over 40 sponsors and businesses involved this year, the goal is to surpass that amount, a number Mathew never thought would be obtainable when first kicking off the jack drive 13 years ago.

We live in such an incredible city with so many giving and generous people. The least we can do is try and lend a helping hand to those less fortunate in our city. To me, coming together for the greater good and giving back is the definition of community. I am proud to be a part of this community and honoured to be able to continue this initiative year over year.

About Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society

For more than 50 years, the Calgary Drop-In & Rehab Centre Society has delivered services and supports to people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Open 365 days a year, twenty-four hours a day, the Calgary Drop-In sleeps over 1,000 people per night and serves approximately 3,000 meals a day. The Calgary Drop-In offers emergency services to over 20,000 Calgarians each year. It also offers affordable housing: Bridgeland Manor is a 48-unit market rent and affordable housing apartment that provides stable and independent living for seniors; Sundial is a 114 unit apartment building, offering market rent and affordable housing together in a community setting. The Calgary Drop-In relies on monetary donations to fund its fifty programs and services.

Donations can be made online at calgarydropin.ca/coatsforcalgary

Learn more at calgarydropin.ca

Sponsors

Drop-Off Locations

1600 World Bier Haus

1600 90 Avenue SW

722 World Bier Haus

601, 722 85 Street SW

Auburn House

200 Auburn Bay Blvd SE

Bonavista Promenade

755 Lake Bonavista Drive SE

Brix + Barrel

351 4 Avenue SW

Buffalo Bob's Canadian Pub

126, 3715 51 Street SW

California Tan

272, 10816 MacLeod Trail S

CARDINAL CAPITAL MANAGEMENT

210, 6700 Macleod Trail SE

CREB

300 Manning Road NE

CRYSTAL CREEK HOMES

Belvedere Showhome
82 Belvedere Green SE

Aspen Showhome
98 Aspen Summit Close SW

Watermark Showhome
131 Watermark Avenue>

DIAMOND & DIAMOND

240, 600 Crowfoot Crescent NW

Douglasdale Family Chiropractic

1, 3451 Douglasdale Blvd SE

FIFTH AVENUE CLUB +15 Level

715 5 Avenue SW

Gold's Gym

Douglasdale - 11540 24 Street SE

Northgate - 565 36 Street NE

Country Hills - 2638 Country Hills Blvd

HOME & AWAY

1207 1st Street SW

Kahane Law Office

7309 Flint Road SE

Kings Fitness

4109 11 Street SE

LAST TATTOO

321 50 Avenue SE, #500

Mercedes Benz Country Hills

2450 Country Hills Blvd NE

Milpa

1531 5 Street SW

MORTGAGE CONNECTION

1121 Centre St NW, #110

ProColor Collision Calgary Central

925 46 Avenue SE

REMAX FIRST

115, 8820 Blackfoot Trail SE

Righteous Gelato

#110, 221 19 Street SE

THE ROOFTOP YYC

414 3 St SW

Speed Factor Racing

239 Mayland Place NE, Unit 106

Staging Calgary

39 Discovery Drive SW

Tom's House of Pizza

7730 MacLeod Trail SW

17103 James McKevitt Rd SW

300, 235 Milligan Dr, Okotoks

4812 Center Street NE

Trolley 5 Brewpub

728 17th Avenue SW

The Trop Bar & Grill

1501 34 Avenue SW

VILLAGE BREWERY TAPROOM

5000 12a St SE

VIVE INTEGRATIVE HEALTH GROUP

4720 Bowness Road NW

Westmount Charter School

2215 Uxbridge Drive NW

YYC Cycle

101, 3505 14 Street SW

4118 University Ave NW