This year, Clothing Collective are launching a Christmas appeal, supported by the Charity Retail Association, aiming to raise as much money as possible to allow them to continue helping and supporting people in our communities.
The charity provides gift cards to organisations who then distribute them to their service users, to be redeemed for clothing at a network of charity shops. This model means that not only do people benefit from being able to buy clothing, but the charities that run the shops also get valuable funds back through their shop tills.
Providing gift cards to people in need means that they can choose their own clothes or shoes, which not only ensures they get something that they like and fits them properly, but also gives them a sense of personal dignity.
With 14.3 million people in the UK living in poverty, and an estimated 5.5 million adults in the UK unable to afford the clothing they need, plus rising costs, and homelessness seemingly on the rise too, now is an even more important time than ever to help.
Giving just £20, for example, would allow someone to buy a jumper, gloves and a hat from a charity shop. Or £50 would help a person in need to buy a coat, warm trousers and a pair of waterproof boots.
All the funds raised from the appeal will be used to fund Charity Shop Gift Cards, to help those in need to access warm clothing during the winter months. There are over 2,000 charity shops across the UK that accept the cards.
Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, who are kindly supporting the appeal, said,
“We're delighted to be supporting Clothing Collective's Christmas campaign. By distributing Charity Shop Gift Cards, they’re helping people access essential clothing at a time of real need, while also supporting charity shops and the communities they serve.
This initiative is a great example of the difference that collaboration within the charity sector can make.”
Antony Wroe, CEO of Clothing Collective said:
"With increased demand for access to warm clothes again this winter, it's fantastic that we are being supported by the Charity Retail Association (CRA) and the charity shop network with our Christmas campaign.
“So, we’re not only providing access to clothes to those in our society who need help, but in turn, we are also supporting our charity shops’ own good causes."
Donations to our Christmas appeal can be made via their JustGiving page and if you are eligible for adding Gift Aid to your donation, then please select this option, as it will increase the amount without any extra cost to you.
People can support the Christmas appeal up until midnight on Wednesday 31 December 2025.
