For the second year in a row, Council 7332 in Thunder Bay, ON was able to take advantage of Supreme's matching donation program while working with Mikinakoos Children's Fund to leverage their funds to purchase winter coats from the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program.

This is the third year our council has worked with this charity, which was created to address poverty by providing basic amenities, such as food, clothing, and equipment to First Nations children residing in remote First Nations communities, and the second year we have been able to secure a matching donation from Supreme.

Media Release:
Mikinakoos Children’s Fund is proud to announce the success of its 2025 Annual Winter Coat Drive, which provided 1,248 new winter coats, valued at $40,000, to children in need across Northern Ontario First Nations communities.

Thanks to the support of generous donors, Mikinakoos raised $20,000 for winter coats this season. For the second year in a row, this amount was FULLY matched by the Knights of Columbus through their Coats for Kids program, doubling the impact for children living in some of the most remote areas of the province.

“Snow is already on its way to Northern Ontario, ” says Stephanie Paxton, Executive Director of Mikinakoos Children’s Fund. “There are so many families in need of quality winter gear across the 33 First Nations we serve, and these coats make a huge difference in helping them prepare for a long, northern winter.”

“We’re deeply grateful to the Knights of Columbus for standing beside us once again, and to every donor who made it possible for children to bundle up safely this season,” added Colleen Martin, Mikinakoos’ Board Chair. “A brand-new coat not only keeps kids safe and warm, it also helps them feel confident among their peers.”

Last year, Mikinakoos distributed just over 1,400 coats through its Warm Clothing Program. This year’s 1248 coats will help reach many of the children who could not receive a coat in previous years, helping to ensure that every youth can feel warm, confident and stylish throughout the snowy months.

“The Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program reflects our mission of charity and
supporting the most vulnerable,” says Craig Murphy, Grand Knight of the Knights of
Columbus Bishop Norman Gallagher Council 7332. “Since 2009, over 1 million coats have been provided to children in need across North America and overseas. We’re proud to help Mikinakoos provide warm winter coats to children in need and to double their order through a matching donation.”