This winter, O2 Centre has partnered with charities HandsOn London and The Salvation Army Trading Company (SATCoL) to warm hearts and bodies this Christmas as temperatures start to drop.
The O2 Centre in North West London has installed a unique Coat Christmas Tree, inviting guests to bring unwanted coats, jackets and outerwear they no longer wear 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 will remain at the centre until 6th January 2025, and coats of all sizes are welcome, including adults, children or babies.
HandsOn London’s WrapUp London is in the 14th year of its annual coat drive. The charitable campaign has become one of the largest winter volunteering events in London, with 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.
SATCoL, the trading arm of The Salvation Army, is the largest charity-owned textiles collector in the UK. The profits raised from the resale of the generous donations SATCoL receives is given to The Salvation Army to continue to support the great work they do across the country.
Ant Foran, Centre Director at O2 Centre, said: “We’re proud to be supporting not just one, but two organisations through our Coat Christmas Tree to bring a little warmth to those who need it the most this winter.
“The 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.
“Christmas is a good time to declutter and clear out any unwanted coats and give them a new purpose, and we hope our visitors can help contribute what they can to support these great causes.”
Jon Meech, CEO, HandsOn London commented: “We are really excited to be included as a beneficiary to be part of such an exciting and creative initiative. The O2 Coat Christmas Tree is a fabulous idea. We are really pleased that donated coats from the tree will support our WrapUp London appeal but also that donations will continue to support vulnerable people into the New Year through SATCoL.”
Derek Goodwin, Corporate Operations Manager from Salvation Army Trading Company said: “We are thrilled to take part in this initiative and give used textiles a new lease of life. Partnerships like this help to provide practical support for the most vulnerable in the community and send a message of hope.”
In addition to the Coat Christmas Tree, the O2 Centre will also have a donation station from 23rd November until 22nd December for any thoughtful gifts including books, toys, craft packs for the Royal Free Charity. Visitors can buy a gift from one of its stores and drop it off in the collection box outside Waterstones. The donated items will then be hand wrapped and delivered in time to lift the spirits of young patients at the Royal Free London this Christmas.
All garments donated between 8th – 24th November will go to HandsOn London, whereas all items donated between 24th November – 6th January will be collected by The Salvation Army Trading Company.
