The Snowsuit Fund
The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based registered charity, founded in 1982, that purchases and distributes new winter snowsuits to roughly 17,000 children aged 15 and under from low-income families each season, funded entirely through donations, corporate partnerships, and signature fundraising events.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1982
- HeadquartersOttawa, Canada
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Snowsuit Fund does
The Snowsuit Fund is a registered Canadian charity founded in 1982 that purchases and distributes new winter snowsuits to children aged 15 and under from low-income families in the Ottawa region. The charity operates a centralized distribution Depot and works with Browns Cleaners and a network of community referral agencies to identify eligible children and channel physical outerwear to them, serving approximately 17,000 children in a typical season.
The organization has no proprietary technology platform or paid commercial product; its core "product" is the bulk-procured snowsuit matched to a child through family self-identification or partner-agency referral. Revenue is generated entirely from donations, signature fundraising events, and corporate sponsorships — including the Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, the SnowBall gala, the 50/50 For the City raffle, and Dinner Party in a Box — together with a planned legacy giving program. The go-to-market model is donor-and-partner-led rather than consumer-priced.
The 44th distribution season launched in October 2025, and FY2026 results show record or near-record performance across multiple event lines, indicating a stable, mature nonprofit operating model rather than a growth-stage venture. The market is geographically bounded to Ottawa, and the unit economics are governed by per-snowsuit procurement cost (estimated at roughly $50) rather than by recurring software or service revenue.
The Snowsuit Fund firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Snowsuit Fund
- Legal name
- The Snowsuit Fund of Ottawa
- Website
- https://snowsuitfund.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1982
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- The Snowsuit Fund is an Ottawa-based registered charity, founded in 1982, that purchases and distributes new winter snowsuits to roughly 17,000 children aged 15 and under from low-income families each season, funded entirely through donations, corporate partnerships, and signature fundraising events.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Snowsuit Fund industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Charitable winter clothing assistance
- NAICS
- Grantmaking Foundations (813211)
- SIC
- Sporting & Athletic Goods, Nec (3949)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Outerwear & Snowsuits (Children) (CRAAAHAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Ski & Snowboard Apparel Retail (Outerwear, Base Layers, Gloves, Socks) (CRAMAJAB)
Keywords
Where The Snowsuit Fund is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Ottawa
- HQ country
- Canada
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
The Snowsuit Fund business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Donations and Fundraising: The organization receives donations from individuals and corporations, with 100% of funds going directly to snowsuit purchases. Revenue is generated through annual campaigns, monthly giving programs, and one-time donations.
- Special Events: Signature events including SnowBall gala, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie campaign, 50/50 For the City raffle, and Dinner Party in a Box. These events generate significant fundraising revenue and community awareness.
- Corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships: Corporate sponsors provide financial support, in-kind donations, and cause marketing partnerships. Partners like Tim Hortons, Giant Tiger, Canadian Tire, and Senators Community Foundation contribute significantly to annual funding.
- Legacy Giving: Planned giving through bequests in wills, gifts of securities, and stock donations. Legacy gifts provide long-term financial sustainability and may offer tax benefits to donors.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
The Snowsuit Fund product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Snowsuit Fund purchases and distributes nearly 17,000 brand-new winter snowsuits annually to children 15 years of age and younger from low-income families in Ottawa, at no cost to recipients. The charity operates a seasonal Depot (September through February) and supports the program through signature fundraising events, corporate partnerships, and a volunteer-powered operation with no government funding.
Product overview
The Snowsuit Fund is a charitable organization operating as a single unified service focused on purchasing and distributing snowsuits to children 15 and under from low-income families in Ottawa. The core product is the snowsuit distribution program, which is supported by signature fundraising events (SnowBall Gala, Dinner Party In A Box, 50/50 raffle, Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign) and a volunteer program. The organization does not operate a technology product, software platform, or SaaS offering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Snowsuit Distribution Program Core charitable program that purchases and distributes nearly 17,000 new winter snowsuits (with matching toques) annually to children aged 15 and under from low-income families in Ottawa at no cost.
- Used Snowsuit Donations Program
- SnowBall Gala
- Dinner Party in a Box
- 50/50 For The City Raffle
- Tim Hortons Smile Cookie Campaign
- Volunteer Program
Quantifiable outcome
- Nearly 17,000 snowsuits distributed annually to children in need
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use The Snowsuit Fund
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Snowsuit Fund technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
The Snowsuit Fund partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
32 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.
- Tim HortonscoreTim Hortons restaurant owners in Ottawa run the annual Smile Cookie campaign where 100% of cookie sales go to the Snowsuit Fund. Every 25 cookies purchased equals one new snowsuit. The campaign has raised over $344,000 in 2026 and a record $338,000 in 2025. This is the organization's largest annual fundraiser.
- Browns CleanerscoreBrowns Cleaners accepts gently used snowsuits at all their locations, launders and sanitizes them, then delivers them to the Snowsuit Fund for distribution to qualifying families. School and community groups can also deliver donations directly to the Browns main plant on Bronson Avenue.
- Giant TigermajorGiant Tiger supports the Snowsuit Fund through various initiatives including matching donations on Giving Tuesday and delivering donated snowsuits. The partnership includes the store mascot 'Friendly' participating in community events.
- Senators Community FoundationmajorThe Ottawa Senators Community Foundation supports the organization through fundraising events including the Hot Rockin' Auction for Kids. The Andlauer family also donates on behalf of the foundation.
- Intega ITmajorIntega IT signed a three-year agreement to become the Presenting Sponsor of SnowBall starting in 2025. John Robinson of Intega IT serves on the Board of Directors.
- Canadian TiremajorCorporate sponsor and partner providing product donations and financial support for snowsuit purchases.
- BloomexsupportingCanada's leading online floral retailer partnered with the Snowsuit Fund for holiday campaigns, bringing warmth and joy to Ottawa's children and families in need.
- Beckta / Play Food and Wine / GezelligmajorOttawa's top restaurants support the Snowsuit Fund through the Eat Well. Share Warmth initiative from October to December. Beckta also curates the annual Dinner Party in a Box event.
- NAC OrchestrasupportingThe National Arts Centre Orchestra holds its annual FanFair concert in support of the Snowsuit Fund and Ottawa Food Bank during the holiday season.
- CLV Group and InterRent REITmajorHosts the annual Mike McCann Charity Golf Tournament which has raised over $1 million for Ottawa charities including the Snowsuit Fund. Typically donates $25,000 annually.
- BMO Private WealthmajorPresenting sponsor of the 2021 Dinner Party in a Box. Supports matching donation campaigns including Giving Tuesday.
- Hamre Real Estate Team RE/MAXsupportingLeads community initiatives to support the Snowsuit Fund, collecting new and gently used snowsuits and raising money. Leif Olson serves on the Board of Directors.
- BGC OttawamajorPartnership for the 50/50 For the City raffle, which has generated significant fundraising including record-breaking jackpots over $500,000.
- Norton Rose Fulbright LLPsupportingBoard member Martin Masse serves as Chairperson. The law firm sponsors SnowBall and other events.
- Rogers Sports Media OttawasupportingBoard member Amanda Young represents Rogers Media Ottawa. Media partner for SnowBall events.
- TrexitysupportingFree local delivery partner for Dinner Party in a Box within 25km of Downtown Ottawa.
- Andaz Ottawa ByWard MarketsupportingHosts the annual Snowsuit Fund Appreciation Breakfast. Supports events with venue donations.
- Ottawa Art GallerymajorVenue partner for the SnowBall gala. The annual event is held at the Ottawa Art Gallery.
- Gabriel Pizza Franchise CorporationsupportingBoard member Ray Skaff represents Gabriel Pizza. Corporate sponsor of events.
- Kichesippi Beer CompanysupportingPartner for the Biggs & Barr Brew event and provides beer for Dinner Party in a Box.
- Dunrobin DistilleriessupportingProvides cocktails for Dinner Party in a Box events.
- Casa Dea Estates WinerysupportingProvides premium wine for Dinner Party in a Box events.
- Christie Lake KidssupportingCommunity organization that refers families in need to the Snowsuit Fund program.
- Chrysalis House Women's SheltersupportingWomen's shelter that refers families to receive snowsuits through the program.
- Ottawa Centre Refugee ActionsupportingReferral organization that connects refugee families with the Snowsuit Fund.
- CAA North & East OntariosupportingBoard member Lauren Parkes represents CAA. Co-chair of SnowBall events.
- Ottawa FirefighterssupportingPatron Denis St Denis is a retired Ottawa firefighter. Firefighters support community initiatives.
- HumenkindsupportingSponsor of SnowBall 2026 events.
- Salon FiorellasupportingSponsor of SnowBall 2026 beauty and styling services.
- RootssupportingProvides cozy comfort items included in Dinner Party in a Box.
- BeavertailssupportingProvides sweet treats for Dinner Party in a Box events.
- Patrons (Kent Browne, Denis St Denis, Don Masters, Brian MacGregor)supportingPatrons are individuals recognized for significant impact and unwavering support of the mission. Kent Browne (Royal LePage), Denis St Denis (Ret. Ottawa Firefighter), Don Masters (Mediaplus), Brian MacGregor (Browns Cleaners).
Scale indicators10 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights3 records
The Snowsuit Fund competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Operation Warm: US nonprofit that manufactures and provides new coats, shoes, and other warm clothing items to children living in poverty. Most directly comparable to the Snowsuit Fund in target beneficiary (children), product (new winter outerwear), and free-distribution model.
- One Warm Coat: US-based national nonprofit that collects and distributes coats to people in need through a network of local coat drives. Directly comparable to the Snowsuit Fund in mission (free winter outerwear distribution to those in need) and in community-led, donation-and-volunteer-powered operating model.
Others
- United Way East Ontario: Regional umbrella fundraising and grant-distributing organization serving Ottawa and Eastern Ontario, frequently funding and partnering with local charities serving low-income families. Comparable in donor-base overlap, corporate-partner relationships, and beneficiary focus.
- Ottawa Food Bank: Major Ottawa charitable organization addressing basic-needs gaps for low-income families in the same geographic service area. Highly comparable in mission (addressing essential needs for children and families), referral network, and corporate-partner ecosystem, but operating in food rather than apparel.
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada: National youth-mentoring charity with an active Ottawa chapter and overlapping donor/corporate-partner base. Comparable in mission-adjacency (youth welfare) and in community-led, donor- and volunteer-powered operating model, though focused on mentoring rather than direct material assistance.
- Christie Lake Kids: Existing referral partner of the Snowsuit Fund serving Ottawa-area children and youth from low-income families through recreational and developmental programs. Comparable beneficiary base and Ottawa geography, with overlapping community partner networks.
Broad incumbents
- Salvation Army Canada: Large national charitable organization providing social services including seasonal clothing assistance across Canada, including Ottawa. Operates a much broader mission than the Snowsuit Fund but overlaps significantly in winter-clothing distribution to low-income families and families in shelters.
Regional players
- BGC Ottawa (Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa): Ottawa youth-services organization and existing partner of the Snowsuit Fund (co-runs the 50/50 For the City raffle). Comparable in serving Ottawa-area children and families in need and in operating community-led programming, though with a much broader mandate (recreation, education, mental health) rather than winter clothing specifically.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
The Snowsuit Fund social profiles
Digital presenceThe Snowsuit Fund financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Snowsuit Fund leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
The Snowsuit Fund funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Snowsuit Fund M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Snowsuit Fund
What does The Snowsuit Fund do?
The Snowsuit Fund purchases and distributes nearly 17,000 brand-new winter snowsuits annually to children 15 years of age and younger from low-income families in Ottawa, at no cost to recipients. The charity operates a seasonal Depot (September through February) and supports the program through signature fundraising events, corporate partnerships, and a volunteer-powered operation with no government funding.
Is The Snowsuit Fund a public or private company?
The Snowsuit Fund is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Snowsuit Fund founded?
The Snowsuit Fund was founded in 1982. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is The Snowsuit Fund based?
The Snowsuit Fund is headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, in the North America region.
How does The Snowsuit Fund make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Donations and Fundraising is the primary driver. The others are special Events, corporate Partnerships and Sponsorships and legacy Giving.
Who are The Snowsuit Fund's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Operation Warm and One Warm Coat. Others are United Way East Ontario, Ottawa Food Bank, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada and Christie Lake Kids. Salvation Army Canada is listed as a broad incumbent. BGC Ottawa (Boys & Girls Club of Ottawa) is listed as a regional player.
Does The Snowsuit Fund have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Snowsuit Fund.
What industry is The Snowsuit Fund in?
The Snowsuit Fund's product category is Charitable winter clothing assistance. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAAAHAF, Outerwear & Snowsuits (Children), with a secondary code of CRAMAJAB, Ski & Snowboard Apparel Retail (Outerwear, Base Layers, Gloves, Socks). Its NAICS code is 813211 and its SIC code is 3949.