Locals urged to donate to those struggling with the cost of living
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 1 st October will see The Leith 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 Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre completely free of charge, no
questions asked.
The Leith 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
Leith 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 Edinburgh and Glasgow 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 Leith 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 Leith Collective go towards
supporting the community and promoting sustainability through the arts. The Leith
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 Ocean Terminal, Fort Kinnaird and St Enoch Centre, those currently
experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.
Coats can be dropped off or collected at The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal, The Leith
Collective
