Our Favourite Holiday Tradition
This season marks the fourth year of The Gift of Warmth,
our annual warm winter clothing donation initiative. As per
tradition, we’re giving thousands of our warmest parkas,
puffers, wool coats and jackets to our Aritzia Community™
partners so they can distribute these coats to the people
who need them most.
The goal? To help keep our community warm during the coldest time of the year through our favourite medium: really well-made clothes.
The goal? To help keep our community warm during the coldest time of the year through our favourite medium: really well-made clothes.
A Better Everyday. Together.™
Inside and outside the holidays, we’re on a mission to drive
positive change in our community by focusing on three
areas of impact: Opportunity, Wellbeing and Belonging.
Although we see The Gift of Warmth most directly
impacting community Wellbeing, there’s no predicting the
positive ripple effect the right coat can have.
To date, we’ve gifted warm winter coats to over 13,000 women and children across North America. This year, The Gift of Warmth will reach over 4,000 women and children across Canada and the USA.
To date, we’ve gifted warm winter coats to over 13,000 women and children across North America. This year, The Gift of Warmth will reach over 4,000 women and children across Canada and the USA.
Thanks to Our Partners
We couldn’t complete this work without them. Scroll sideways to read a little more about who they are and
what they do.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada supports a strong Network of over 95 individual Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) agencies and helps unite these local mentoring providers in rural, urban, remote and Indigenous-reaching communities. BBBS of Canada is committed to igniting the power and potential of over 26,500 local youth through essential mentorship, building collective strength and providing core services. Uplifting children and families and building resilience are at the heart of everything BBBS of Canada does.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada supports a strong Network of over 95 individual Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) agencies and helps unite these local mentoring providers in rural, urban, remote and Indigenous-reaching communities. BBBS of Canada is committed to igniting the power and potential of over 26,500 local youth through essential mentorship, building collective strength and providing core services. Uplifting children and families and building resilience are at the heart of everything BBBS of Canada does.
YWCA Canada
YWCA Canada is a leading voice for women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. For 150 years, they’ve been at the forefront of a movement, fighting gender-based violence, building affordable housing and advocating for workplace equity. YWCA Canada is the oldest and largest gender equity organization in Canada, operating in 300 communities in 9 provinces and 2 territories. Today, they engage young leaders, diverse communities and corporate partners to achieve their vision of a safe and equitable Canada for all.
YWCA Canada is a leading voice for women, girls, Two-Spirit and gender-diverse people. For 150 years, they’ve been at the forefront of a movement, fighting gender-based violence, building affordable housing and advocating for workplace equity. YWCA Canada is the oldest and largest gender equity organization in Canada, operating in 300 communities in 9 provinces and 2 territories. Today, they engage young leaders, diverse communities and corporate partners to achieve their vision of a safe and equitable Canada for all.
Stonewall Community Foundation
Stonewall Community Foundation strengthens the LGBTQ Movement by making values-driven investments in dynamic organizations, projects and leaders. They are explicitly committed to: lifting up all communities of colour and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people; working to end racism and anti-Blackness; and supporting organizations that serve undocumented immigrants and people involved in survival economies.
Stonewall Community Foundation strengthens the LGBTQ Movement by making values-driven investments in dynamic organizations, projects and leaders. They are explicitly committed to: lifting up all communities of colour and transgender, gender non-conforming, and non-binary people; working to end racism and anti-Blackness; and supporting organizations that serve undocumented immigrants and people involved in survival economies.
Urban Native Youth Association
Urban Native Youth Association is the centre of Indigenous youth excellence, supporting youth on their journeys by amplifying and celebrating their voices. Their vision is to empower Indigenous youth to lead and inspire all Nations. UNYA offers wrap-around service programming that meets the needs of Indigenous youth where they are at.
Urban Native Youth Association is the centre of Indigenous youth excellence, supporting youth on their journeys by amplifying and celebrating their voices. Their vision is to empower Indigenous youth to lead and inspire all Nations. UNYA offers wrap-around service programming that meets the needs of Indigenous youth where they are at.
The Brotherhood Sister Sol
For more than 25 years, The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis) has been at the forefront of justice — racial, economic, educational, environmental, criminal and gender. Through unconditional love, around-the-clock support and wraparound programming, BroSis makes space for Black and Latinx young people to examine their roots, define their stories and awaken their agency.
For more than 25 years, The Brotherhood Sister Sol (BroSis) has been at the forefront of justice — racial, economic, educational, environmental, criminal and gender. Through unconditional love, around-the-clock support and wraparound programming, BroSis makes space for Black and Latinx young people to examine their roots, define their stories and awaken their agency.
Cause We Care Foundation
Founded in 2007, by women to help women, Cause We Care Foundation (CWCF) invests in programs and services that support single mothers to achieve security and build positive futures for themselves and their children. They are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for single mother-led families through initiatives that empower them to improve their economic security, increase their personal capacity and access opportunities that promote their overall wellbeing.
Founded in 2007, by women to help women, Cause We Care Foundation (CWCF) invests in programs and services that support single mothers to achieve security and build positive futures for themselves and their children. They are committed to breaking the cycle of poverty for single mother-led families through initiatives that empower them to improve their economic security, increase their personal capacity and access opportunities that promote their overall wellbeing.
Mamas For Mamas
Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization that specializes in poverty relief and all- inclusive community support for mothers and caregivers in crisis. They provide spaces where their Mamas, caregivers and kids feel safe and comfortable when they come in for poverty relief support. Kindness being their currency, Mamas for Mamas is a no-cost program.
Mamas for Mamas is a national charitable organization that specializes in poverty relief and all- inclusive community support for mothers and caregivers in crisis. They provide spaces where their Mamas, caregivers and kids feel safe and comfortable when they come in for poverty relief support. Kindness being their currency, Mamas for Mamas is a no-cost program.
Out My Closet
Out My Closet is a non-profit organization that empowers displaced and under resourced LGBTQ youth with clothing, care and compassion and creates affirming multimedia messages of hope, inclusiveness and support. Through compassionate and uplifting supports such as clothing, counseling and community, Out My Closet addresses immediate needs of displaced youth and reinforces validation and acceptance of sexual identity and gender expression.
Out My Closet is a non-profit organization that empowers displaced and under resourced LGBTQ youth with clothing, care and compassion and creates affirming multimedia messages of hope, inclusiveness and support. Through compassionate and uplifting supports such as clothing, counseling and community, Out My Closet addresses immediate needs of displaced youth and reinforces validation and acceptance of sexual identity and gender expression.
Union Gospel Mission
More people than ever are facing poverty, homelessness and addiction in the Metro Vancouver region than ever before, and Union Gospel Mission is determined to offer restoration and transformation. Through a continuum of care that includes emergency shelter, hundreds of hot meals daily, an alcohol & drug recovery program and many other programs, UGM’s programming is designed to meet people where they are and reach their goals. With a heart for community transformation, Union Gospel Mission knows that change happens one life at a time.
More people than ever are facing poverty, homelessness and addiction in the Metro Vancouver region than ever before, and Union Gospel Mission is determined to offer restoration and transformation. Through a continuum of care that includes emergency shelter, hundreds of hot meals daily, an alcohol & drug recovery program and many other programs, UGM’s programming is designed to meet people where they are and reach their goals. With a heart for community transformation, Union Gospel Mission knows that change happens one life at a time.
Vancouver School Board
The Vancouver School District strives to create an equitable learning environment where every child can experience a deep sense of belonging and is free to pursue pathways of learning in ways that are authentic to themselves. They believe an effective public education system will prepare students to be active, productive, and socially responsible citizens.
The Vancouver School District strives to create an equitable learning environment where every child can experience a deep sense of belonging and is free to pursue pathways of learning in ways that are authentic to themselves. They believe an effective public education system will prepare students to be active, productive, and socially responsible citizens.
Some Warm Regards
“I’m thrilled to have such a warm and professional coat that
fits me just perfectly! I absolutely love the colour and it’s
going to be perfect for fall interviews – this is a real
investment piece I will wear for a long time. What beautiful
gift from Aritzia — thank you!”
–Unise, YWCA Metro Vancouver, FOCUS@Work Program Recipient
–Unise, YWCA Metro Vancouver, FOCUS@Work Program Recipient
“Your donation of new, high-quality and durable coats for
unsheltered women and gender-diverse people in Hamilton
will make a world of difference. When someone receives a
winter coat this year, they will feel supported and cared
for. Thanks to this donation from Aritzia, YWCA Hamilton
will be better equipped to help keep women experiencing
violence, poverty and homelessness safe and warm this
winter. We truly appreciate your generous support.”
–Heather Barkley, Director of Philanthropy, YWCA Hamilton
–Heather Barkley, Director of Philanthropy, YWCA Hamilton
“I really needed a bit of a lift-up in spirits. I'm actually crying
while I write this and this made me feel like a million bucks.
It's everything a mama needs when it's so hard, this jacket
made me feel worthy, I even wanted to sleep in it!"
–Darcy D., Mamas For Mamas Kelowna Recipient
–Darcy D., Mamas For Mamas Kelowna Recipient
"Aritzia, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your
generous donation of coats to Out My Closet's clients,
specifically under-resourced and unhoused LGBTQ youth
and transgender women of color. Your commitment to
supporting those in need reflects the true spirit of
compassion and inclusivity. Through your contribution, you
are not only providing essential items but also affirming the
dignity and value of every individual. Your support is a
beacon of hope, making a meaningful difference in the lives
of those who need it most. You can see clearly how
illuminated the clients become being able to choose the
coat they like that suits their own personal style and gender
identity.”
– Michael A. Narain, President & Founder, Out My Closet
– Michael A. Narain, President & Founder, Out My Closet
"Aritzia’s generous donation of coats and jackets has a
profound impact on the lives of our youth at Urban Native
Youth Association (UNYA). By providing warmth and
protection against the elements, you are not just gifting a
piece of clothing; you are offering comfort and a sense of
security to our youth. This contribution goes beyond
material support, fostering a community that cares and
uplifts its members. Together, we are making a difference
in the lives of those we work with. Thank you for being a
source of warmth and compassion in our shared journey
towards creating a more equitable and caring world."
–Kristina Terrell, Director of Youth Engagement, UNYA
–Kristina Terrell, Director of Youth Engagement, UNYA
Have Warmth to Give?
Someone out there would probably love that coat you barely wear anymore. Consider donating it to an organization
near you.
