Sister London estate agencies join forces to collect thousands of coats
For the eleventh consecutive year Chestertons has been collecting warm winter coats and jackets for London’s most vulnerable, in partnership with Calling London.
Every Christmas Chestertons turns its high street branches into donation points and works with clients, local community groups, schools and businesses to raise as much awareness and collect as many coats as possible to help keep the cold at bay for some of London’s poorest people.
Since teaming up with Calling London in 2013, they have helped to keep over 50,000 vulnerable Londoners warm through winter, including the homeless, families facing financial difficulties and refugees.
Target exceeded
This year, for the first time, estate agency Chase Buchanan has also lent its support. Following a four-week coat drive, Chase Buchanan and Chestertons, which are owned by the same group, helped Calling London exceed their target of over 10,000 donations.
When people are struggling to feed themselves, it’s hard to think about anything that isn’t necessary for survival.”
Frances Manthos (pictured above), Founder of Calling London, said: “Thanks to the invaluable support of Chestertons as well as Chase Buchanan, I was ultimately able to help more people than ever before. The energy from the Chestertons and Chase Buchanan teams came in many forms: from managing the collection boxes in the branches, to reaching out to local communities, to collecting coats near their homes, and volunteering their time at the coat sorting.”
Victoria Gorelik from Smart Works, a UK-based charity that provides professional clothing and interview coaching to women in need, adds: “The coats we received will be the perfect finishing touch to ensure our clients leave their appointments 100% prepared for their upcoming job interview. We are incredibly grateful to be part of such an amazing scheme which brings Londoners together to lift up those in need in their communities.”
Selina Patel from Hammersmith and Fulham Foodbank adds: “When people are struggling to feed themselves, it’s hard to think about anything that isn’t necessary for survival. Giving coats to people feels like a lovely treat for them. They can choose their favourite colour or style, and the ability to empower people in that way is absolutely wonderful.”
