Keeping kids and hearts warm

Transcona

When Hudson Lylyk first learned that not every kid can afford their own winter coat, he was shocked. So, in 2023 — at the age of five — the youngster launched his first fundraising campaign in support of Koats for Kids.

With the help of his mother, Bria Lylyk, a photographer, the two traded $50 dollar donations for custom photo sessions up until the first week of November. In the end, they raised over $1,800 that first year.

Now, at seven, Hudson is still going — and shows no sign of stopping.

“It’s just kind of become a little bit of a personality trait for him,” Bria, who lives in Transcona, said. “He really loves giving back, so it’s something that he asked to continue to do every year. And so we do it together.”

Koats for Kids, a non-profit, provides physical donations to families in need, so 100 per cent of the donated funds go towards jackets that Hudson picks out on shopping trips. While Bria handles photos, the pair collects physical donations, as well, which range from jackets to mitts.

“I like to choose different colours,” he said. “I kind of like to (mix-match) colours … so that they get a colour that they really like.”

“It’s just special. I want to help other kids, so I wanted to do it again,” he continued, when asked how it felt to be doing the campaign for another year, adding that he doesn’t want other kids to get cold.

“I love doing it with him,” Bria added. “He has a younger sister at home, so it’s a fun time for him and I to get to go out and do that together. And he is just so proud, picking everything out and then taking it in, and he kind of gets to see the operation at Koats for Kids, and he loves that.”

Bria said that it felt surreal the first time around, especially when Hudson was recognized at the legislature.

“It’s something that we look at and remember and feel really proud about. But also, it’s really just his personality. He’s always been that way … it’s not a surprise to us that he’s out there doing these things.”

“I do know to never give up,” Hudson said. “Like, when I’m doing it, I know — don’t give up. I’m eventually going to get it. I know I’m not going to get that much, but I’m going to get enough. I’m going to be able to get one snowsuit. I am happy with that, at least.”

He said that last year, they raised enough funds to get 10 snowsuits, and his eventual goal is 1,000.

He added that he wants to continue raising money for Koats and Kids for the next few years, but may switch up on the initiative one day.

Hudson and Bria are accepting donations until the beginning of November, due to the unpredictable nature of Winnipeg weather. To take part, reach out to Bria via Instagram: @bialylykphotography