It has been a relatively mild winter so far, but those familiar with Glasgow weather know that could all change in a heartbeat. Sadly for many locals, a cold spell could prove to be their breaking point, especially with fuel bills soaring and the rapid rise in cost of living, so one Glasgow shop has introduced a ‘no questions asked’ coat exchange.
The Clydeside Collective, located at the St Enoch Centre, is here to lend a helping hand to those who might need it with rails of good quality coats available for collection now in their shop – at no cost and with no questions asked. And the arts and crafts shop is also urging locals to donate.
Coats of any size, which are clean and in good condition, can be dropped off at The Clydeside Collective shop during opening hours (10am-5pm, Monday to Sunday) where they will be quarantined for 72 hours, in-line with covid safety guidance. They will then be displayed outside the store for anyone to collect.
The idea behind the coat exchange is two-fold, as The Clydeside Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explains: “The nation is currently facing a poverty crisis, with the cost of living rising faster than ever, and job insecurity resulting from the pandemic still affecting many. Glasgow is not immune to this and we’re witnessing the damaging effects right here.
“Coupled with the climate crisis, we felt we had to take action and try to help. And so the coat exchange was born. Not only is it a sustainable solution that keeps quality clothes out of landfill and in use, it also provides a valuable opportunity to kit out families in genuine need.”
The coat exchange is the latest in a series of initiatives launched by The Clydeside Collective to simultaneously support locals and promote a circular economy, following their hugely successful Christmas tree exchange in December 2021. As a Community Interest Company, all profits from the shop 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 coat exchange in an accessible location such as St Enoch Centre in Glasgow, those currently experiencing difficulties will be able to receive a helping hand.