When Ethan Carter, a 17-year-old high school student from Edmonton, noticed classmates shivering in thin jackets during last year’s brutal -30°C winter, he knew he had to do something. What started as a small coat drive in his school’s gymnasium has since exploded into a province-wide movement, providing over 10,000 free winter coats to those in need.
From a Simple Idea to a Province-Wide Movement
Ethan’s project, “Coats for Compassion,” began with a single Facebook post in October 2023. “I just asked if anyone had old coats they could donate,” he recalled. Within 48 hours, his family’s garage was overflowing with jackets, scarves, and mittens.
Local businesses quickly joined the cause. Canadian Tire donated 500 brand-new coats, and the Edmonton Oilers Community Foundation contributed $10,000 to help purchase more. Soon, Ethan was setting up distribution hubs in homeless shelters, women’s centers, and Indigenous communities across Alberta.
The Ripple Effect of Kindness
One of the most touching moments came when Ethan met 8-year-old Liam, who had outgrown his coat but couldn’t afford a new one. “He hugged me and said, ‘Now I won’t be cold anymore,’” Ethan said, smiling. “That’s when I realized how big this could be.”
His efforts caught the attention of the Alberta government, which awarded him the 2024 Youth Humanitarian Award. But Ethan remains humble. “This wasn’t just me—it was hundreds of people coming together to help.”
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