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.
Darlene Schuller says
I really love this initiative, but I worry about Canadians going w/out winter coats. I had to go without one for 6 years. If it wasn’t for 2nd hand ones my daughter wouldn’t have one. Only this year were we able to get her one and a few weeks later I scored one at 40% off.
I’m glad assistance is being given in an area it needs…I just wish that ‘area’ also included anyone in need, not a select few.
Krista M says
Oh yes, I’ve been seeing the commericals for this on TV! I already buy a lot of Quaker products so I will be sure to look specifically for these boxes to help newcomers in need & give them the #WarmWelcome of a coat!
Lori Moran says
I eat oatmeal almost every day!
Angela September Smith says
mmmmm we love Quaker oatmeal … my son especially! he goes bonkers for the apple cinnamon lol
Melinda says
I stock my office desk with Quaker instant oatmeal for a tasty and healthy breakfast!
LILLIAN BROWN says
So great –Quaker products helps give the gift of a warm winter coat to a newcomer in-need, very generous
SHIRLEY says
Every one deserves a warm coat for winter
Lushka Smith says
What a great cause, heart warming.
LUZVIMINDA Gunter-Smith says
Great way to help the newcomers. I have been there 10 years but so bad we do not have this but I am glad I can be of help.
tamara m says
This sounds like a wonderful program! I will definitely check for these specially marked products!
Lorraine H says
Love this
Donna L. says
A very good cause.
SHIRLEY says
This is such a great idea; everyone needs a warm winter coat
kathy downey says
Love this,everyone need a toasty warm coat for winter!
Tricha says
Definitely a great cause to help someone get a winter coat.