Free coat for every student at Sister MacNamara School

Operation Warm, sponsored by FedEx Winnipeg, provided a generous gift for every student at Sister MacNamara School in January. Over 30 volunteers from FedEx showed up to the school early in the morning to prepare for the event with a representative from Operation Warm. They diligently organized the coats and prepared a wonderful shopping experience in the gym for the students. School staff coordinated and supported the students in their visit to the coat shop. Each class from Nursery to Grade 6 took their turn to do a visit to the gym. Students were greeted by FedEx staff members who personally helped each child pick out their own coat and to ensure the coat fit the students.

The students were overjoyed to receive such a greatly appreciated gift. Many of them put their coats on immediately and wore them outside for recess. Families also expressed how happy they were to receive a coat for their child to use this winter and possibly next year. To show their gratitude, students from Mr. Klassen Wiebe’s Grade 1 class sang a song, did a thank-you dance and presented each volunteer with a card. This was touching for those that came so early to prepare for the event, some who had worked all night at FedEx before coming to the event. Principal Debbie Lenhardt Mair shared words of thanks and explained what this gift meant to the students, families and our school community.

“It was so amazing to watch children being fussed over in the gym. Students picked coats in their favourite colour or to match their outfit,” said Lenhardt Mair. “Their personalities came through in their selections. After their selection, they walked out of the gym feeling very proud. We are truly grateful to Operation Warm and all the volunteers from FedEx who made each child feel special.”  

Students and staff felt the joy of such generosity days after the event. It was an excellent way to kick-off the new year!