A retail space in the St Enoch Centre is tackling hidden poverty in Glasgow with a '‘no questions asked’ coat exchange.
The Clydeside Collective has launched the exchange to give a helping hand to those who might need, with rails of good quality coats available for collection now in the shop – at no cost.
Glaswegians are being urged to donate coats of any size. They can be dropped off at The Clydeside Collective, 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 Clydeside Collective founder, Sara Thomson, explained that the idea behind the coat exchange is two-fold.
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She said: "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.
Donations to the coat exchange can be dropped off at The Clydeside Collective during opening hours, 10am – 5pm, seven days a week. Coats should be clean and in good condition.
