As Christmas approaches, it is hard to imagine children going without winter jackets and wellington boots to keep them warm in the cold months across the festive season and into 2021. However, new figures show that one in four children in Glasgow are living in poverty and so they won’t have the appropriate clothing required to keep them warm.

To help support these children and families, hub West Scotland is launching the Winter Warmer Appeal alongside charity partner PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid). The ask is for new winter jackets and new wellington boots to be donated to the appeal by Friday 11th December 2020. This is the third year of this appeal which has grown each year thanks to the fantastic support of our friends, partners and members of the public who have been able to respond to this important need.

Like last year’s campaign, hub West Scotland is asking generous Glaswegians, businesses, individuals and its supply chain partners to donate as many new winter jackets and wellington boots as possible to the charity PEEK, who will, in turn, supply these donations to those who are most at need across Glasgow.

PEEK works to improve the life chances of children and young people living in the Glasgow area. 2020 and the on-going pandemic has been especially tough for many across the city, but more than ever it has been especially tough for those in poverty who this year won’t be able to provide essential winter jackets and wellington boots for their children.

The Winter Warmer Appeal generated a great response last year, with over 1000 new items donated to PEEK. This year, hub West Scotland is asking for help from the public and companies in Scotland (and beyond) to make the appeal even bigger and better. With a number of COVID-19 restrictions still in place, the appeal has adopted a slightly different approach to last year, new winter jackets and new wellington boots can be purchased online and sent straight to the team at PEEK at their headquarters: The Legacy Hub, 301 Springfield Road, Glasgow, G40 3LJ.

This year, a JustGiving page has also been set up so people and companies can donate directly to the appeal, all money raised will be used to purchase warm clothing for those children that need it right across the city. 100% of donations will be used by PEEK to purchase new winter jackets and wellington boots.

Michaela Collins, CEO of PEEK, said: “Last year a lot of the families we support were just coping. This year, with COVID, many families have lost their jobs or are on furlough so are really struggling. A winter jacket might seem like an essential item but will be beyond the reach of many families we support, especially this year. Please do what you can to make a real difference to children living in poverty in Glasgow by donating to hub West Scotland’s Winter Warmer Appeal.”  

Iain Marley, chief executive of hub West Scotland, said: “Our Winter Warmer Appeal means a lot to us, our friends and our partners. Last year we were blown away with the amazing response which was five times the amount achieved in our first year. This year is more challenging financially for many. It is also not so easy to pop to the shops and drop off donations.

“Taking these matters into account we have created a workaround: a JustGiving page for donations and having items delivered directly to PEEK at the Legacy Hub. It’s a great shame that Christmas parties and entertainment won’t go ahead but perhaps Companies can make a positive from that by directing some of the Christmas budget to help keep children in Glasgow warm this year.  It would be wonderful if that was possible.”

Nancy Clunie, headteacher of Dalmarnock Primary School, said: “The practical support of giving children and families new winter jackets and new wellington boots last year meant that children could access school and play whilst staying warm and dry. The support from PEEK and hub West Scotland is invaluable and this year especially so with so many families suffering financially from the impact of COVID.”