Estate agency group targets 8,000 winter coat donations in charity appeal

Campions Group is aiming to collect at least 8,000 winter coats for vulnerable Londoners through its latest charity appeal.

The estate agency group is supporting Calling London’s annual Winter Coat Drive through its Chestertons and Chase Buchanan branches.

The campaign runs until 21 November. Residents, businesses, schools and community groups can donate unwanted winter clothing.

Chestertons is taking part for the 13th consecutive year, with more than 30 branches accepting donations.

Chase Buchanan is also participating for the second year running, with selected offices acting as collection points.

Campions Group says it collected 6,000 coats last year, its highest annual total. It now hopes to increase donations by at least a third.

Members of the public can donate coats, jackets, fleeces and gilets. The charity will distribute them to Londoners struggling to keep warm this winter.

Frances Manthos founded Calling London following discussions with friends in 2010 about people struggling to afford suitable winter clothing.

Manthos commented: “The Winter Coat Drive started with a simple belief that Londoners want to help one another. Many of us have coats sitting in wardrobes that we no longer wear, while others face winter without one. It’s a simple idea, but one that continues to make a real difference.

“The support we receive from organisations like Chestertons and Chase Buchanan is invaluable. Their branch networks help us reach communities across London and make donating easy for thousands of people every year.”

The charity held its first Winter Coat Drive in November 2011.

Calling London operates entirely through volunteers. It distributes donated clothing through shelters, foodbanks, charities and community organisations across the capital.

This year’s campaign again uses estate agency branches as collection points, allowing members of the public to donate clothing locally.

Richard Davies, UK director of operations at Campions Group, said: “Campions Group is proud to support the Winter Coat Drive and play a small part in helping local people stay warm this winter. Supporting the communities we serve is important, and we are delighted to be involved in such an important initiative.

“This year, we hope to help the campaign surpass last year’s incredible achievement of collecting 6,000 coats, ensuring even more people can access essential warm clothing during the colder months.”