The Clydeside Collective Winter Coat Exchange
The Clydeside Collective Winter Coat Exchange
Locals urged to donate to those struggling with the cost of living with The Clydeside Collective Winter Coat Exchange.
Heating bills are at an all-time high, inflation is on the rise, and the temperature outside is plummeting. There is no doubt that the necessity to keep warm and the stress of trying to keep up with the rising cost of living will sadly push many people to their breaking point this winter. However, one local business is doing all it can to offer practical help.
Saturday 1st October will see The Clydeside Collective launch its winter coat exchange across its three Scottish stores. Locals are being urged to donate good quality winter coats and waterproof jackets suitable for all ages and sizes. The coats will be available for anyone to collect at St Enoch Centre, Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird completely free of charge, no questions asked.
The Clydeside Collective launched its first ever winter coat exchange in January 2022. At the time, it proved to be a genuine lifeline for many local individuals and families unable to afford a warm and comfortable coat to protect themselves from the elements. Sadly, The Clydeside Collective founder, Sara Thomson, predicts this winter will be even more challenging for even more people;
“We launched the winter coat exchange at the beginning of the year and sadly, here we are again. Except this time, it is even worse. Right across Scotland, there are people that are genuinely scared of what this winter may bring. People who now can’t afford even the most basic essentials because the cost of living has skyrocketed. For many people, winter 2022 will be a season of crisis. But we are determined to make a difference, and we know there are countless people in Glasgow and Edinburgh that want to help too.”
The winter coat exchange is not only a practical response to the cost of living crisis, but also to the climate crisis – a cause which lies at the heart of The Clydeside Collective. The winter coat exchange is a sustainable solution that aims to keep quality clothes out of landfill and in use for longer, thus promoting a circular economy and helping to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry.
As a Community Interest Company, all profits from The Clydeside Collective go towards supporting the community and promoting sustainability through the arts. The Clydeside Collective actively supports individuals with mental health or support needs to grow in confidence and gain experience in the workplace, and offers business mentorship to any members of the Collective. It is hoped that by hosting the winter coat exchange in accessible locations such as St Enoch Centre, Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.
Coats can be dropped off or collected at The Clydeside Collective at St Enoch Centre, The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, and The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird during opening hours.