Residents across Leeds are being urged to donate pre-loved, good quality adult winter coats to help those who are struggling to keep warm.
Wrap Up is a national campaign that encourages people to donate unwanted coats to help those facing hardship during the winter months. Rotary Club of Roundhay, Leeds is proud to bring Wrap Up to Leeds and, in doing so, become the first Rotary club in Yorkshire to undertake this important initiative. As Rotarians, we are committed to serving our local communities, and Wrap Up provides a practical and meaningful way of supporting some of the most vulnerable people in our city during the cold winter months.
Since its launch in the UK, the initiative has collected and distributed thousands of coats through local charities and community organisations, ensuring that warm, good-quality clothing reaches those who need it most. The campaign is built on a simple idea: a coat no longer needed by one person can make a real difference to another.
The success of the campaign relies on partnership and community engagement, and we have been delighted by the enthusiastic support we have received. We are working with Tesco on Roundhay Road, Leeds, which is serving as a key collection point for donations. We are also grateful to Oakwood Church for its support in promoting the campaign and helping to engage local residents.
A special thank you goes to the five Women's Institute groups across Leeds that have
Joined the campaign. Their members have embraced the project wholeheartedly, helping to raise awareness and encouraging donations within their communities. The staff at Court Chambers in Leeds have also stepped forward to support the initiative by organising collections among colleagues, demonstrating how businesses can play an important role in community action.
All coats collected through the campaign will be distributed through four outstanding
local charities that work directly with people experiencing hardship. These are Simon on the Streets, Homeless Street Angels, St George's Crypt and StVincent de Paul. Each organisation has extensive experience supporting vulnerable individuals and families and will ensure that donations reach those who need them most.
“Wrap Up shows how a simple act of kindness can make a real difference. A coat you no longer need could help someone face the winter with warmth and dignity. We are proud to be the first Rotary club in Yorkshire to bring this campaign to our communities and grateful for the fantastic support from our local partners." Cath Johnson - Wrap Up Campaign Lead, Rotary Club of Roundhay
The need for warm winter clothing remains significant. For someone sleeping rough, facing financial difficulties or struggling to keep their family warm, a winter coat is much more than an item of clothing. It can provide comfort, dignity, protection and hope.
We encourage everyone across Leeds to check their wardrobes and consider donating any clean, good-quality coats that are no longer needed. By working together, Rotary, our partners and the wider community can help ensure that more people stay warm this winter. Every coat donated is a simple act of kindness that helps make Leeds a more caring and compassionate city.
Follow this link to learn more about Wrap Up and other community projects of the Rotary Club of Roundhay https://www.RoundhayRotaryClub.co.uk/Community.