For the third consecutive year, Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) is proud to launch the annual Kozy Kids initiative to help ensure underserved youth across the Halton Region are prepared for winter.

The initiative was kickstarted in 2021 after two HRPS constables 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. In the Town of Milton alone, 105 students were identified as needing assistance. Thanks to the generous donations of Halton residents and business owners, gently-used clothing and financial donations were offered, ensuring all identified children were provided with a snow suit or winter jacket.

The following year, and made possible by financial donations, HRPS ordered new snow suits to-size, clothing 475 youth.

Like many things in life, it’s not until you don’t have something that you truly appreciate it. Snow suits are an essential item for children in our region. When you donate, you’re not just helping to keep kids warm as they travel to and from school, you’re giving them the opportunity to explore and learn in the great outdoors for what can otherwise be isolating months. We’ve seen firsthand the joy and excitement that your donations bring to children in our community, and on behalf of myself and the entire service, we thank you for warming both the bodies and hearts of those who need us the most.

Stephen J. Tanner, Chief of Police, Halton Regional Police Service.

As the rising cost of living continues to impact individuals across the region, HRPS is working with local community partners to identify more families who need our support.

Starting today and until November 21, HRPS kindly invites residents and business owners to purchase a new snow suit (youth sizes 6–16) and drop them into a collection box stationed at HRPS Headquarters and each District buildings:

2485 North Service Road West, Oakville, ON. (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)

3800 Constable Henshaw Blvd., Burlington, ON. (8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.)

95 Oak Walk Drive, Oakville ON. (8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.)

490 Childs Drive, Milton, ON. (8:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.)

217 Guelph Street, Georgetown, ON. (8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.)