Archives
The Domsy Foundation is proud to continue supporting KozyKids, a community program dedicated to ensuring that vulnerable youth have access to warm, safe winter clothing. The initiative began in fall 2021, when Officers Lyndsey Cormier and Stephanie Spencer learned from a local Vice Principal that several children were not attending school because their families could not afford winter clothing. After canvassing surrounding schools, 105 students in Milton were identified as needing immediate assistance. Many of these families were new to Canada and unprepared for harsh winter conditions, while others were experiencing financial hardship. Through donations of gently used items and financial support, every child received a snowsuit or winter jacket, and the KozyKids initiative was born.
The program expanded significantly in its second year. In 2022, KozyKids provided winter clothing to 475 children and extended its reach across the entire region. Since inception, the initiative has supported 1,208 youth, reflecting both the scale of community need and the program’s rapid growth. With the rising cost of living, the demand continues to increase, and KozyKids remains focused on keeping as many children in Halton as possible warm, safe, and ready for school.
In 2025, KozyKids provided winter essentials to 300 young people throughout Milton, Georgetown, Acton, Oakville, and Burlington. These supports were more than simple clothing items. They represented stability, comfort, and the reassurance that someone in the community cared enough to step in at the right time. The geographic spread of the program shows the wide demand across the region, with 83 students supported in the Milton, Georgetown, and Acton area, 53 in Oakville, and 54 in Burlington. Each number reflects a young person who walked into school better prepared for winter because of this initiative.
This work is amplified through strong and trusted community partnerships. Local agencies play a key role in identifying young people who are in urgent need of warm clothing and ensuring items are distributed quickly and respectfully. Through these relationships, KozyKids supported 77 youth at Halton Women’s Place, 10 youth identified by Halton Police Social Workers, 4 youth through Halton Multicultural Connections, and families supported by the Compassion Society, which received 19 donated coats and snowsuits. These partners understand the day-to-day realities faced by families in crisis, and their frontline efforts ensure that KozyKids can respond with speed and precision.
This impact was further strengthened through leadership from key members of the Halton Regional Police Service. Ryan Smith, Community Services Sergeant, coordinated this year’s KozyKids giving activities and ensured that resources reached families efficiently and respectfully. He collaborated closely with Constable Lyndsey Cormier, one of the founders of the KozyKids initiative, who remains a driving force behind its continued success. Their operational stewardship elevated community outreach and helped deliver support where it mattered most.
The 2025 results pushed KozyKids past an important milestone. Since the program began in 2021, it has now supported 1,508 youth. This achievement reflects years of consistent work, dedicated volunteers, and the generosity of supporters like the Domsy Foundation. It also highlights a growing need in the community. Every year, more families rely on programs like KozyKids to help them navigate colder months without compromising other essentials such as food, transportation, or childcare.
Program leaders expressed sincere appreciation for the Foundation’s continued support. They confirmed that every dollar donated to the 2024 campaign directly funded winter clothing for youth in Halton. As planning for the 2025 KozyKids campaign begins, the call to action remains clear: continued community investment is essential to meet rising demand and ensure that no child in the region goes without proper winter clothing.
The Domsy Foundation remains committed to advancing youth well being in Halton and will continue to support programs that lift families, strengthen local agencies, and create a tangible, lasting difference in the lives of young people.
Left to right Stephanie Spencer and Lyndsey Cormier, founders of the KozyKids initiative, showcasing donated winter coats prepared for regional distribution across Halton.
For readers who would like to learn more about KozyKids and the community partners involved, additional information is available through the Halton Regional Police Service. Their media release provides further details about the program and its impact across the region.
You can view the official HRPS release here:
