This winter, O2 Centre has partnered with HandsOn London this Christmas to warm hearts and bodies as temperatures begin to drop.
The O2 Centre in North West London has installed a unique Coat Christmas Tree, inviting visitors to donate clean, reusable coats and jackets to help people in need this winter and hang them on the tree. All donations will then be distributed to front-line charities that support causes such as homelessness, refugees, family centres and foodbanks.
The tree, situated near Waterstones on Level 2, will remain at the centre until Sunday 22nd November Coats of all sizes are welcome, including adults, children or babies – and hats, gloves and scarves are also accepted as donations.
HandsOn London’s WrapUp London is in the 16th year of its annual coat drive. The charitable campaign has become one of the largest winter volunteering events in London. Since 2011, over 250,000 warm coats have been donated and hundreds of people coming together to collect, transport, sort and distribute spare coats to those in need, to ensure everyone stays warm during the colder months.
Ant Foran, Centre Director at O2 Centre, said: “We’re proud to bring a little warmth to those who need it the most this winter and support HandsOn London with their WrapUp Christmas coat appeal. The Coat Christmas Tree stands as a symbol of warmth, generosity, and the spirit of giving this season, and every donation will make a huge difference to those facing challenges during the winter months.
“The lead up to Christmas is a good time to declutter and clear out any unwanted items, giving them a new purpose. We hope visitors get involved this year and help make a difference in our local community by donating any unwanted coats, scarves, gloves and hats they may have.”
Jon Meech, CEO of HandsOn London, said: “For 15 years, WrapUp London has shown what is possible when Londoners come together to do good. We are asking for the public’s support once again, to help ensure that the most vulnerable people in our city have warmth and dignity this winter.”
