The friendliness of Scottish people was always something to be proud of. And now, with the cost of living crisis, rising bills and the cold months creeping over our shoulders, many people are left with deep worry. While the average person probably cannot solve the whole economic crisis, people can still lend each other a helping hand, even if it is in the form of donating a coat. Sunday, October 1 is The Leith Collective launching a free coat exchange across its three Scottish stores.
The coats will be available for anyone to collect at St Enoch Centre, completely free of charge, no questions asked. Basically, if you need a coat, just take a coat.
And those who have any spare, good-quality winter coats or waterproof jackets they are willing to part with are encouraged to bring them over.
It is not The Leith Collective’s first rodeo at the free coat exchange. In January 2022 and throughout the rest of the year, it proved to be a genuine lifeline for many individuals and families who were unable to afford a warm and comfortable coat to protect themselves from the elements. And with the current economic climate, this winter is set to be even worse for those struggling.
The Leith Collective founder, Sara Thomson, expressed: “We’ve had countless people telling us that last winter was unbearable. We all hoped that things would change for the better in 2023, but sadly it’s been cut back after cut back, price rise after price rise this year. For those people who had hoped to ‘ride out the storm’ last winter, the realisation that things have not improved since then and their struggles are likely to continue into 2024 will hit them hard this Christmas.”
“A warm and comfortable winter coat is a basic necessity, especially now that we’re seeing more and more extreme weather as a result of climate change. But for families that have been continually stretched, a coat is yet another essential item that they are having to sacrifice. From our experience, the cumulative effect of all these ongoing sacrifices can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing.”
What is more, the coat exchange provides a way to promote sustainability and prevent good quality coats from ending up in landfill. So, while tackling the cost of living crisis, The Leith Collective will also manage to simultaneously aid the climate crisis. Every little counts and we should all chip in to help wherever we can. It’s amazing to see that the people of Glasgow care!
Where can I find The Leith Collective?
Practical information
The Leith Collective at St Enoch Centre
Opening hours: 10am – 5pm, seven days a week