KINGSTON, ON – Surrounded by community members, local Rotarians and supporters this morning, the Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club launched the 2026 Clothes for Kids campaign at the Cataraqui Centre. The Club has set a fundraising goal of $75,000 to provide up to 875 new snowsuits to children in need across Kingston and the surrounding area.
“The response from the community to last year’s campaign was incredible, and we are grateful to everyone who helped make it possible,” said Laura Carter, 2026 Clothes for Kids Campaign Chair. “With winter approaching, and the need continuing to grow, we are once again counting on the generosity of our community. Every donation, regardless of size, makes a difference.”
Last year’s campaign raised $72,914 and provided more than 800 snowsuits. This year’s goal builds on that success and on nearly 40 years of impact, a tradition started by Corus Entertainment, the campaign’s founder and continued media partner.
The launch also brought the first gifts toward this year’s goal. Jon Dessau and Amanda Dubé presented a $1,000 cheque on behalf of Kingston Community Credit Union (KCCU), and John Farrow, President of the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston, presented a $1,000 cheque from his club.
The Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club thanked the partners and supporters who helped make the launch possible, many of whom were in attendance, including Corus Entertainment, Kingston Community Credit Union, Cataraqui Centre, Capital Movers & Storage, Leon’s, DigiGraphics, 1dea Design + Media Inc., the Rotary Clubs of Kingston and Napanee, and the Kingston Homeless Alliance. These partners, along with many other businesses, organizations and individuals, are essential to the campaign’s success.
“Clothes for Kids has always been about more than providing a warm snowsuit,” Carter added. "It is about giving children the opportunity to enjoy winter alongside their friends and classmates, and about easing financial pressure on local families. Above all, it shows that we are a community that cares. We are proud to continue this tradition alongside the supporters who have stood with us for years, and to welcome new collaborators like the Kingston Homeless Alliance."
The event ended with an invitation for everyone to get involved by volunteering, donating or helping to spread the word. Everyone is also invited to attend a benefit concert featuring The Spectators Band on Saturday, November 28, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. at Spearhead Brewing Company, one of several community fundraising activities planned throughout November and December.
How to Donate
About the Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club
The Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club was established in July 2011 as a satellite of the Rotary Club of Cataraqui-Kingston to attract and retain younger members. Chartered as an independent club on April 17, 2015, it upholds Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” while engaging a new, socially minded generation of members who are interested in shenanigans and do-goodery.
Stay Connected
Follow the Kingston Waterfront Rotary Club on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for updates, events and ways to get involved.