Chestertons Launches Annual Winter Coat Drive to Help Londoners in Need

PRESS RELEASE FROM CAMPIONS GROUP Campions Group launches Winter Coat Drive across Chestertons and Chase Buchanan, aiming to beat last year’s record of 6,000 donations for Londoners in need Calling London’s annual Winter Coat Drive launches this week, with Campions Group supporting the charitable campaign through collection points at Chestertons and Chase Buchanan branches across the capital. Running until 21 November, the campaign gives residents, businesses, schools and local organisations an easy way to donate unwanted winter coats and jackets to people who need them most. Through two of its best-known estate agency brands, Campions Group has supported Calling London since 2013, collecting 200 coats in its first year which jumped to a peak of 6,000 last year. This year, the Group aims to increase that total by at least a third. The Winter Coat Drive began with a conversation in the winter of 2010. Frances Manthos and a group of friends were concerned about Londoners struggling to keep warm, from children arriving at school without winter coats to older residents and people sleeping rough. Convinced that Londoners would help if given an easy way to do so, they came up with a simple idea: collect unwanted coats, sort them and deliver them to people in need. Frances launched the first Winter Coat Drive in November 2011. Since then, Calling London, which is run entirely by volunteers, has distributed thousands of coats through charities, shelters, foodbanks and community organisations across the capital. Frances Manthos, Founder of Calling London, said: “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.” 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." The campaign is asking for clean, good-quality winter coats and jackets for adults, children and babies. Calling London’s volunteers, including teams from Chestertons and Chase Buchanan, will sort donations before they are distributed to charities supporting families, refugees, older residents, survivors of domestic abuse and people experiencing homelessness. To donate, drop off a coat at your nearest participating Chestertons or Chase Buchanan branch between 19 October and 21 November.