I was freezing to death. I was sure of it. And almost as scary, my Mom was going to be so angry with me. My sister and I had been tobogganing on the big hill at the schoolyard not far from the house. We’d been out too long and it was almost dark. The hill was icy, so fast, it was a scary amount of fun as the toboggan skidded us down the hill, over “the jump” and right into the frozen creek. The problem? That creek wasn’t so frozen anymore. In an instant, I was soaked. Soaked right through my bright pink snowsuit, wool mitts, and hat. It wasn’t a long walk back to the house, but before we made it home my coat was stiff with cold, my hands were aching and my hair was as frozen as the tears on my face. I will never forget that kind of cold. Chilled to the bone, an ache that takes hours to warm up from, a brittle pain from the inside out. Canadian winters are unforgiving, harsh, and long.
This week the sun is setting a little earlier, the mornings are cooler, and that wind feels brisk instead of warm. Mother Nature is sending us a message; winter shall soon be upon us. Will you be ready to battle the cold? I will be! It’s time to set those alarm clocks ahead a few minutes, allowing extra time for warm nourishing breakfasts, a moment to pull on extra layers of clothes before we run out the door and dare I say it, shovel the drive-way of winter slush and snow. The coldest season of the year is upon us and we all want to make sure our little families are prepared for all the wild weather that comes with it. As furnaces kick in for the first time, the Mama’s of Canada know it’s time to prepare. We ensure hats and mitts are washed and ready to go. Do a check to see if boots still fit, and head out to grab new winter coats to help get through the cruelest season of the year.
Mom’s aren’t the only ones who want to be sure families are ready to start their mornings off on the right foot. For over 100 years Quaker has been helping Canadians have a warm start to their day. When families start their mornings with Quaker products, it nourishes, warms and prepares them for the day ahead. When those first snowflakes fall, we will be ready. Warm breakfasts to start our day, cozy coats to keep us comfortable against the harsh winter weather. But what about the newcomers to our country? Do they know what to expect of their first true Canadian winter? Are they prepared for the snow, the sleet, the unforgiving cold?
This year it is expected that approximately 200,000 newcomers will move to our country and experience the extreme cold of their first Canadian winter. But, for many who are new to this country and without the right resources, finding comfort during our winter months is one of their biggest challenges. And this can be a barrier to getting a good start to the day, and ultimately feeling comfortable in a new country. Can you imagine moving here and not being prepared for our winter?
The shocking statistic is that there are over 100,000 newcomers who identify as in-need each year. Quaker wants to help make a difference in their lives by providing them with a warm coat to help prepare for the winter, the best part is….. you can help! We can all help provide a #WarmWelcome to the newcomers of our community, and it’s truly so simple.
Starting this October, every purchase of specially marked Quaker products helps give the gift of a warm winter coat to a newcomer in-need. So the next time you do your grocery shopping look for those specially marked boxes of Quaker products and pick one up, help provide a #WarmWelcome today. Are you up for the challenge? Let’s help make this winter, a warm one.
Donna L. says
Great cause. Thanks for the heads up.
Michelle W says
This is a great thing Quaker is doing! Thanks Quaker! #WarmWelcome 🙂
Melinda says
I bring Quaker oatmeal to work as a quick but nourishing breakfast!
Carole D says
I love Quaker oatmeal! That is a wonderful intensive!
Julie-Lynne McCann says
This is such a great cause… giving back to others is so very important!!
SHIRLEY says
Quaker products helps give the gift of a warm winter coat to a newcomer in-need. Everyone deserves to have a warm winter coat
Fahima mohmand says
Love Quaker oatmeal. It has saved me in many occasions where I had to make something fast which filled me and was simple to make.
Dale Steele Nicolov says
It is commendable to show kindness to those in need .Great idea!
HEIDI C. says
Living in our Northern weather conditions can definitely be challenging. It can be even more challenging without warm clothing to wear. Kudos to Quaker for bringing awareness to this initiative.
Darlene Schuller says
I love quaker! Maple & Brown sugar is my favorite! All my kids like it too, I love that the youngest still likes 2 packages for breakfast before school everyday once the weather gets cold.
kathy downey says
This is so nice of Quaker,everything certainly helps !
Kristi says
It’s really wonderful that Quaker is doing this. It’s so important for newcomers and anyone else needing warm winter clothes.
Wanda Tracey says
I love companies like Quaker for the good deeds they do for others in need. I also really love their cereals too! YUMMO! #WarmWelcome 🙂
Debbie White Beattie says
There’s no better oatmeal than Quaker and my favorite flavors are Apples & Cinnamon and Peaches & Cream; they taste so good !
Alayne Langford says
What a wonderful initiative! I just love Quaker oatmeal! 🙂