Donate a Coat and Keep our Diocese Warm this Winter

Tuesday 29th October 2019

The clocks have gone back, and with it the darker nights and cold mornings show us that winter is looming.

For many of us this also means central heating systems are back on and the winter coats are coming out of the cupboards. But there are many people who aren’t as lucky at this time of year and need some help to keep warm.

Can you help by donating an old coat?

Wrap up Greater Manchester is a charity that collects your old and unwanted coats. The donated coats go to homeless people, refugees, children living in poverty and people fleeing domestic violence.

All the coats are donated to a local charity on the ground who can then distribute them in their centres and drop ins. The coats are distributed in this way so that those in need also have the opportunity to find out what other resources are available to help them improve their lives.

Our Lady of Hope Parish in Salford is one of our parishes that have chosen to have a collection box at their two churches. The parish priest Canon Michael Cooke explained why they have chosen to get involved, saying:

“We were asked to support this cause by a parishioner and we said yes immediately. It’s an important issue for Greater Manchester and allows us to provide direct support to two local charities involved in the scheme, Barnabas and Loaves and Fishes.

We are asking parishioners to put their faith in action in the service of all, particularly the marginalised and the poor. As Christians we have a responsibility to care for all our brothers and sisters in need and this great cause gives a simple practical way to respond.”

The charity is looking for coats of all colours, style or size. If you don’t have a coat that you can donate but would like to help you can donate £3. This is the cost of collecting and distributing a coat to someone who needs it.

Let’s join together to help keep our diocese warm this winter.

Collections are now open until 15th November. To find out where you nearest collection box is go to: www.wrapupgreatermanchester.co.uk