Pictured here are Knights Tony Jacyno (left) and Jeff Schonnop presenting the jackets to CPAN's Denise Rochat.
The Knights of Columbus Council 1531 has once again stepped up in support of the CPAN Snowsuit Drive, raising local funds to purchase 156 winter coats for community members in need.
Tony Jacyno, Grand Knight of the Pembroke chapter, says the Knights were approached by CPAN two years ago, but because they were already involved with other initiatives at the time, they weren’t able to take on another fundraising cause. Since then, the Knights of Columbus have become very involved in collecting coats and warm clothing for not only children but adults as well.
Since 2008, the Knights of Columbus in Ontario have raised funds to provide winter coats to children in need. Over the years, their efforts have generated tens of thousands of dollars and supplied roughly 100,000 coats to children across the province.
Jacyno points out that the primary source of funds for the Knights comes from bingo and various raffles, which are run by a handful of volunteers within the organization. Donations to food banks also remain a high priority as the need continues to grow everywhere.
As a principal with the RCCDSB, Jacyno has been involved in one way or another with CPAN for over 25 years, so it was a natural fit when the Knights took on the task of supporting the organization’s drive this year.
Getting involved in the community is key, says Jacyno, and he has seen firsthand for years the impact that community support can have in times of need. His message is simple:
For more information on the Knights of Columbus Coats for Kids program, please click on the link below.
(Written By: Richard Evans)