WINDSOR – Canadian Muslim children have collected hundreds of coats from two Islamic schools in Windsor, setting an example of kids helping kids.

“When I donate a coat that I might have thrown out in the garbage … and I see someone else who’s in need of it and wears it, that smile on that person’s face means everything,” 13-year-old Shahd Bleible told Windsor Star on Wednesday, December 8.

Bleible, from An-Noor private school in Windsor, was at the campaign trailer at the Unemployed Help Centre with other students Wednesday to donate coats. This year, the Muslim community gave 275 coats that were collected at two schools and the Rose City Islamic Centre.

This year’s donations cap 8-years of work during which the Muslim community of Windsor gave more than 4,000 coats to the campaign.

“We do it because it’s our duty as Muslims and as Canadian citizens to help everyone in need,” Bleible said.

“It’s always the season to give.”

The moment a needy gets one of those coats is priceless, said Amney Behiry, acting principal at An-Noor school, adding that it’s sad to see the Windsor community in such need.

“It’s sad but it also makes us feel so amazing that we were able to help,” Behiry said.

Russ Anderson, chairman of Coats for Kids, said the campaign appreciates the annual support from the Muslim community. He said it was an example of kids helping kids.

The Coats for Kids trailer at the Unemployed Help Centre on the city’s east end is open until a few days before Christmas and possibly into the new year to accept donations and to give out coats, Anderson said.

“We need more and more coats all the time. We’ll take them all year round here at the Unemployed Help Centre,” he said.