500 Warm Coats is a volunteer-led community initiative that collects winter coats and cold-weather clothing for Toronto's unhoused and precariously housed communities.
Each year, individuals, families, schools, businesses, community organizations, and volunteers come together to help ensure that our neighbours have access to the warmth, comfort, and dignity that a winter coat provides during Canada's coldest months.
Working in partnership with Rosedale United Church and community supporters across the city, the program collects gently used and new adult winter coats, as well as financial donations that allow us to purchase brand-new coats where they are needed most.
Our annual collection campaign typically runs from early November through mid-December.
While the main drive takes place during this period, financial donations are welcomed year-round and can be directed toward the purchase of new winter coats for future campaigns.
For many people, a winter coat is something we take for granted. Yet for those living on limited incomes, experiencing homelessness, or arriving in Canada without appropriate winter clothing, the cost of staying warm can be overwhelming.
A warm coat is more than protection from the cold. It provides comfort, safety, confidence, and the ability to participate fully in daily life during a Canadian winter.
The generosity of our community continues to make a meaningful difference.
In 2024:
All donated coats and winter clothing are distributed through trusted community organizations that work directly with individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, and housing insecurity.
Past recipient organizations have included:
These agencies are in direct contact with those who need warm clothing and are best positioned to ensure donations reach people who would otherwise face winter without adequate protection.
We welcome new and gently used adult winter coats in clean, good condition. Adult coats of all sizes are needed.
In addition to winter coats, we are often able to distribute other cold-weather items such as:
Schools, workplaces, sports teams, neighbourhood groups, and community organizations are encouraged to organize their own coat collections.
A collection box in a school lobby, workplace, condominium, recreation facility, or community centre can make a significant contribution to the campaign.
For information about organizing a collection or arranging a pickup, please contact the volunteer organizers.
Volunteers assist with promoting the campaign, collecting coats, sorting donations, and preparing items for distribution.
Student volunteer hours may be available. Those interested in volunteering are encouraged to contact the organizers directly.
Coats may be dropped off at Rosedale United Church starting in November, placing them in our collection bin located off the circular driveway at the Glen Road entrance, during regular business hours and on Sundays. Please contact the church office if you require special arrangements for larger donations.
Financial donations allow us to purchase brand-new winter coats when specific sizes or items are needed.
One hundred percent of designated Warm Coat donations are used to purchase new winter coats for distribution through our community partners.
You can donate by sending an e-transfer to churchoffice@rosedaleunited.org. Please include "Warm Coats" in the message field, along with your name and mailing address for tax receipt purposes.
You can also mail a cheque payable to Rosedale United Church. Please write "Warm Coats" in the memo line and include your name and mailing address so that a tax receipt can be issued.
Charitable tax receipts will be issued in February for eligible financial donations of $25 or more. To receive a donation receipt, please ensure that your name, mailing address and email address accompany your donation.
For information about donating coats, organizing a collection, volunteering, or making a financial contribution, please contact 500warmcoats@gmail.com.
Volunteer Team Leaders:
Susie Sabapathy
Paige Sabapathy
500 Warm Coats is made possible through the generosity of volunteers, donors, schools, businesses, faith communities, and community organizations who believe that no one should face a Toronto winter without a warm coat.
Together, we are helping provide warmth, dignity, and hope—one coat at a time.