Oakham Tesco launches scheme to help people without warm clothing this winter
It comes as Barnardo's highlights growing need as poverty leaves families struggling
Hundreds of thousands of children across the UK could go without a winter coat this year, according to new research from Barnardo’s.
Dame Helen Mirren says it’s “heartbreaking” that so many families are “living from hand to mouth,” with some even dreading Christmas because of money worries.
People are choosing between food and heating
In Oakham, Tesco is helping by offering free coats to children and families struggling to afford warm clothing.
The store’s community rail is open for anyone to pick up a coat, while shoppers are encouraged to donate any extra children’s coats they have at home.
Emma Hull, Tesco’s community champion, said:
No one's judging you
“It's getting cold now and sometimes people are choosing between food and heating. Clothing, I'm sure, is far down the list."
"So it's just everything we can do to help people."
"And it's just such a nice gesture when people donate. It's so lovely and brings that community spirit."
"Come and help yourselves. No one's judging you. They're coming in here to do their shopping. They're not thinking, oh, that person's taking a coat."
"That's not what it's about. It's about just helping people in their time of need.”
Barnardo’s says as many as two point two million parents will struggle to afford warm clothing for their children this winter, and is urging people to donate any pre-loved children’s coats they can spare.