Wall of Kindness returns to help Montreal’s most vulnerable keep warm

It’s World Kindness Day and Montrealers are sharing positivity and warmth through the third edition of the Wall of Kindness initiative – collecting winter coats for people experiencing homelessness.

This year, the Renaissance non-profit organization partnered with Maison du Père, hoping to collect 3,000 winter coats.

“When we talk about this initiative, this is a simple act of generosity that’s available to everybody,” said Maison du Père executive director Lizette Flores. “And this actually connects someone that can give a coat with someone that really needs some warmth.”

Montrealers are invited to donate and hang a coat at four Walls of Kindness throughout the city: at Iberville and Masson Street; Sainte-Catherine East and Bourbonnière Street; Ontario East and Saint-Timothée Street; and at Saint-Viateur and Clark Street.

The Wall of Kindness concept is believed to have begun in the Middle East in 2015, with similar initiatives around the world following suit.

A large number of coats were already being hung by Wednesday morning.

“I’m so excited,” Flores said. “I see people that are going to wear this and are going to feel the solidarity of, all of the communities.”

Twice a day, Renaissance will collect the coats from the wall.

“Kindness is, I think, everyone has it in the bottom of their heart,” said Renaissance CEO Éric St-Arnaud. “And this day should be every day of the year. And we should think about the others because right now a lot of people need, and right now we’re talking about the coats because they’re warm.

“Everyone do a kindness action, then at the end of the day we help others.”

The donation drive ends on Dec. 1, at which point the coats will be delivered to Maison du Père.

Throughout the two weeks between now and then, if anyone in need needs a jacket, they are more than welcome to take one.

Advocates blame inflation and the housing crisis on the rising homelessness in Quebec.

“The Wall of Kindness is a great example of community solidarity,” said Maison du Père president and CEO Jaëlle Begarin. “Every year, I am deeply moved by citizens’ involvement in helping those whose situations are very precarious.

“Beyond this winter coat drive, the campaign helps to remind people that we are all vulnerable, and to break down prejudices. You can make a difference in someone’s life through your generosity.”

To collect as many coats as possible and to increase the campaign’s awareness, a friendly challenge was issued to companies in Montreal. The goal is for them to come together, donate as many winter coats as possible at one of the four walls, take a photo of themselves in front of the wall and share it on social media using #UnManteauALaFois.