Give your extra snowsuit a second life

It’s October, which means winter is just around the corner. Despite the perks of the season — fresh snow, cold-weather sports, holidays — this time of year comes with some challenges; namely the air being so cold it hurts every bit of exposed flesh.

Sub-zero temperatures can be difficult for even the most hardy, and especially trying for those more used to warmer climates. That’s why, every year, Concordia’s International Students Office (ISO) holds a winter coat collection to help newly arrived international students, some of whom have never seen snow, brace for the cold.

From today and until November 10, the ISO will be collecting gently used coats, scarves, mittens and hats from staff, students and community members.

You can drop off winter clothing in person on Sir George Williams campus in Room H-653 of the Henry F. Hall Building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Loyola campus, donations can be dropped off in Room AD-121 of the Administration Building. 

All donated clothing will be given to international students following the ISO’s annual Surviving Montreal Winter Workshop on Friday, November 11.

The information session is a chance for international students to pick up some tips on how to make it through the season. It will touch on everything from weatherproofing one’s apartment to coping with the winter blues.

“Being a new student, and an international one at that, it was quite difficult for me to afford a good coat,” says Renny Kochubaby, who came to Concordia from India last year and benefited from the ISO’s coat drive.

“Not only did I manage to get an amazing jacket, which helped me survive the harsh winter, but during the workshop I also got advice about lots of events happening in and around Montreal during winter.”

Kochubaby now has a new coat and is planning to return his old one to the ISO. “I hope it will be useful to someone, like it was useful to me when I was new.”

The Surviving Montreal Winter Workshop will be held on Friday, November 11, from 2:30 to 4.30 p.m. in Room FG-C070 of the Faubourg Ste-Catherine Building.