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The Brampton Guardian
Kids charity founder Jo-Ann Studholme laid to rest
The Brampton Guardian
Tuesday November 3 2009
By ASHLEY GOODFELLOW
 
BRAMPTON - Though her life was suddenly cut short, long-time Brampton resident Jo-Ann Studholme will rest peacefully knowing that the charity she worked so hard to sustain finally received funding for a permanent home.

Studholme passed away suddenly Sunday morning, when she suffered a heart attack. Her death comes only weeks after learning that the charity she founded— Winter Coats for Kids— was granted stable funding from the Region of Peel for a permanent location.

Her husband of nearly 40 years, William, said the community is at a great loss without the contributions and passion of Studholme.

“We’re losing a person how really loved the community and loved the work that she did to help the community,” he said.

About six years ago, the retired elementary school teacher began Winter Coats for Kids— a grassroots charity operation that started by supplying winter coats to needy kids in the community. The idea came to her when she heard about the number of children in poverty in Peel.

“She said, ‘I have to do something about it’,” said William. “And she enjoyed it very much and she took it to heart.”

For years, she struggled to secure funding to continue operations— which over the years expanded to providing boots, hats, mitts, scarves, and in more recent years, clothing for all seasons.

Just about a month ago, Studholme was thrilled learned the Region of Peel would provide funding through the Peel Multicultural Council to give the organization a fully-funded home base to run year-round.

The organization, renamed Klothing for Kidz, opened its doors at 266 Rutherford Rd. S. Unit 2A on Oct. 26.

“Isn’t this exciting?” Studholme said in an interview with The Guardian last month. “This is a central part of the city, so it can be easily reached.”

Now, William said the organization is looking for someone to take over the reigns, and continue her legacy.

Aside from her work with the charity, Studholme and her husband enjoyed the Seniors Centre and belonged to the Cardinals Choir. And in her spare time, William said his wife loved to paint.

“She was a very caring, loving person, and she took everything to heart,” said William.
Studholme was 66, and leaves behind her husband, one son and five grandchildren. She is pre-deceased by one child.

There will be visitation on Wednesday (today) at Ward’s Funeral Home, and a funeral service Thursday (tomorrow) at St. Mary’s Church.