Photo: HRPS
The results are in for this year’s Kozy Kids Initiative.
With the generosity of residents and business owners, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) distributed a total of 296 new snowsuits to underserved youth across Halton who were identified with the support of local schools and community partners.
Kozy Kids was kickstarted in 2021 by two HRPS Constables who learned that a number of children, many of whom were newcomers to Canada, were regularly absent from school during the winter months, as their families couldn’t afford to purchase winter apparel. Since then, and with the support of residents, they have clothed a combined 1,158 youth in need, exceeding their 1,000 goal that they set for 2024.
New this year, each snowsuit featured a coat tag that was fastened to the zipper, advising youth and their families on how to report hate and bias-motivated incidents to our Service or via Crime Stoppers. Each tag included information in the region’s top five languages: English, Spanish, Mandarin, Arabic, and Urdu.
Inspector Bruce Dickson, who oversees the Service’s Youth Engagement Team and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Unit, was blown away by the community support.
“What started as a grassroots initiative four years ago has quickly snowballed into a labour of love, and has demonstrated how well our people – HRPS members and the public – mobilize when we know our neighbours, especially kids, need us. We’re thrilled that they’ll have their new snowsuits ready and waiting for them to wear ahead of the season’s first snowfall. We genuinely thank everyone who helped spread the word and of course those who donated.”
Andrea Cormier, Manager of Community and Outreach Services for Halton Women’s Place – one of the community partners that received numerous coats on behalf of their clients, adds that times are tough for a lot people.
“Leaving an abusive situation often brings sudden financial hardship, and even basic necessities—like a coat or snowsuit—can become overwhelming expenses. With the support of Kozy Kids, we are able to provide much-needed comfort and relief to survivors, helping them stay resilient as they take brave steps toward a life free from violence. Thank you so much to the community, Halton Regional Police Service, and everyone who donated to Kozy Kids in support of families in need. Your overwhelming generosity truly makes a difference for the women and children of Halton Women’s Place.”
To learn more about hate and bias motivated crime and how to report it, click here.
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