Article Source: The Leith Collective
Last Updated: 27 September 2024 14:34
On Tuesday 1st October 2024, the energy price cap will rise by 10%, taking a typical annual household bill to £1,717. One Edinburgh Community Interest Company predicts this increase will push many struggling families over the edge. To help in the fight against poverty, The Leith Collective is launching its Winter Coat Exchange on Tuesday 1st October to coincide with this energy price cap rise. Having redistributed almost 10,000 free coats last winter, founder Sara Thomson predicts even more will be needed this year to provide warmth and comfort to those in desperate need.
According to the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, more than one million people live in poverty in Scotland, with nearly half of those people (490,000) living in very deep poverty. The energy price cap rise will hit those trapped in poverty the hardest and will no doubt force many to sacrifice basic essentials such as a warm winter coat.
And so, The Leith Collective is calling on businesses, organisations, charities and community groups across Scotland to register as an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point. That way, they can redistribute good quality coats to those who need them – free of charge, no questions asked – and provide much-needed comfort this winter.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Sara said; “This is the fourth year of running the Winter Coat Exchange and sadly I think our help will be needed more than ever this year. So many people are already at breaking point because of the cost of living crisis, and now gas and electric bills are set to rise yet again. Last year we redistributed almost 10,000 coats to those in need and we’re bracing ourselves for even greater demand this winter.”
One of the first organisations to sign up to the scheme this year was the Edinburgh CIC, Let the People Sing. Founder Vicky Scoular said; “Going without basic necessities such as a warm winter coat can have a hugely detrimental impact on a person’s dignity and on their mental wellbeing. So we’re proud to be playing our part in the fight against poverty by signing up to be an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point and we implore as many other local organisations to do the same so we can make a real difference.”
Organisations can sign up to become an official Winter Coat Exchange Collection Point at www.we-relove.com, the sustainable online marketplace from The Leith Collective. The website also enables individuals in need to enter their postcode and find their nearest collection point, so they can get a quality coat without charge and without judgement.
The Leith Collective at Ocean Terminal
Ocean Drive
Edinburgh
EH6 6JJ
Opening hours: Monday - Saturday 11am - 6pm, and Sunday 11am - 5pm
The Leith Collective at Fort Kinnaird
Newcraighall
Edinburgh
EH15 3RD
Opening hours: 10am - 8pm seven days a week
The Leith Collective at Overgate
14 Reform Street
Dundee
DD1 1UQ
Opening hours: 10am – 6pm, seven days a week
Full details of the Winter Coat Exchange can be found at www.we-relove.com/providing-coats-for-those-in-need
Hot Dub Time Machine returns to Edinburgh’s Hogmanay for the first time in a decade to headline this year’s Night Afore Disco Party.
READ MOREFor a limited time, Cineworld presents a seismic lineup of blockbuster favourites, new and old, in immersive 4DX – all for just £5 a ticket or £3 for Unlimited members.
READ MOREThe Leith Collective launches their Winter Coat Exchange on Tuesday 1st October to coincide with energy price cap rise!
READ MOREGet ready to experience the flavours of Brazil right in the heart of the capital as Rio Brazilian Steakhouse launches an exciting pop-up in partnership with Edinburgh Trams on 4th October!
READ MORECaptain Fantastic, the UK's leading children's party company, is supporting Dyslexia Awareness Week in Scotland with two fun interactive online parties.
READ MOREThe National Trust for Scotland is celebrating autumn harvest by inviting people to its annual Apple events across the country.
READ MOREMake waves this Christmas with Lost Shore’s Festive Dining Experience, an indoor winter wonderland with fire pit drinks, sharing menu, festive cocktail offering and option for surf lessons.
READ MOREThis Sunday 29th of September, Hywel Griffith from Michelin-starred The Beach House in Oxwich joins chef Scott Smith at Fhior as part of ‘The Native Series’.
READ MORERenowned for its culinary storytelling and immersive dining experiences, Six by Nico has unveiled its latest themed menu, Istanbul!
READ MORESt James Quarter and The Seam will be hosting a special two-day pop-up event at the Galleria this week, giving shoppers the chance to make old and new purchases the perfect fit.
READ MOREWith Scottish legends Lulu and Travis, Dundee's own Kyle Falconer and rising Scots star Calum Bowie among the first winners to be announced.
READ MOREChef partners Sarah Baldry and Alan Keery have opened their first restaurant, Nàdair, in Edinburgh’s vibrant Marchmont neighbourhood.
READ MOREIain McPherson, founder of the renowned Scottish bar Panda & Sons, has been named the Altos Bartenders' Bartender 2024 as part of The World's 50 Best Bars 2024.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is welcoming kids across the country to its Little Scare-lings Howl-o-ween party this October for a frightfully fun time!
READ MOREScottish Swimming, in partnership with Scottish Water, hosted a landmark event yesterday at Edinburgh's Royal Commonwealth Pool to celebrate The National Primary School Swimming Framework.
READ MOREThis Halloween season, Craigies Farm is thrilled to announce its biggest and most thrilling event yet, promising to be the ultimate destination for Halloween fun in Edinburgh.
READ MOREDiageo today announces a first-of-its-kind 90% paper-based bottle trial for Johnnie Walker Black Label exclusively at Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s 1820 bar in Edinburgh.
READ MORESeachdain na Gàidhlig has unveiled dates for its fourth edition under the theme Ceanglaichean gun Chrìch, which signifies Building Connections in English.
READ MOREThis October, New York-inspired cocktail bar Manahatta is set to bring a taste of the Big Apple to Edinburgh.
READ MOREVirgin Hotels Edinburgh has partnered with Edinburgh Zoo to launch a roarsome Afternoon Tea experience inspired by the cherished children's book, The Tiger Who Came to Tea.
READ MOREIconic Edinburgh family business The Pakora Bar launched their highly-anticipated pale ale 'Chakk De Phatte'.
READ MORELuxury floating hotel Fingal in Leith, is celebrating the life and work of Scottish poet Robert Louis Stevenson with a special event on Saturday 16th November.
READ MOREFrom Friday 20th September Edinburgh Zoo’s penguin colony will take part in the Wee Waddle, a reimagined version of the world-famous Penguin Parade.
READ MOREDobbies Garden Centres is embracing the autumn season with a series of free-to-attend events throughout October, including Grow How, Little Seedlings Club and Little Seedlings Holiday Club.
READ MOREAsda's charity, The Asda Foundation, has awarded £150,000 to eight community groups across Scotland through its Investing in Spaces and Places grants.
READ MOREThe Eric Liddell 100 has announced today the launch of its new 'Eric Liddell Awards' which will be held on Friday the 1 November 2024 as part of a Gala Dinner.
READ MOREStatues of everyone's favourite bear will be taking a seat in locations across the UK and Ireland in early October!
READ MORETickets for this year's IRN-BRU Carnival launch with the chance to win on Glasgow's streets!
READ MOREThe Royal Highland Centre and Showground is set to host Fawkes Festival, Scotland’s largest fireworks event on Sunday 3rd November.
READ MORESt James Quarter’s Student Shopping Night is back offering students the chance to shop, dine and play at the capital’s hottest lifestyle destination.
READ MORE