Edinburgh charity urges local businesses to help children living in extreme poverty

2 days ago

2 min read

The Edinburgh School Uniform Bank (ESUB) has launched its ‘Winter Warmers’ campaign to keep more children across the city warm and in school this winter. The charity is urging local businesses to consider supporting its campaign.

According to a recent Edinburgh Poverty Commission report, 12,000 families across the capital are experiencing destitution – meaning that they are going without essentials such as clothing, food, shelter, heat, light and toiletries.

ESUB’s Winter Warmers campaign provides coats, gloves, socks, warm leggings and joggers to primary and secondary-school children with the greatest need across Edinburgh. The charity is appealing to people living and working in the city to donate funds or buy items from its wish list to support its campaign.

ESUB chair, Margaret Civval, said: “Thousands of children across the city are experiencing extreme poverty. Families are unable to afford warm winter clothing, which for many can mean getting soaked to the skin on the way to school. Trainers with holes in are useless in the Scottish winter, especially when you have no socks.

“At ESUB we believe that all children deserve access to good-quality, warm clothing to help them stay in school over the colder months.

“We work closely with schools and pupils to ensure we provide exactly what they need when they need it. We hear regularly from teachers and support workers that giving children the clothing items they need has a positive impact on children’s school attendance and well-being.

“We’re asking people across Edinburgh to donate to our Winter Warmers campaign and make a difference to a local child this winter.”

A donation of £35 can provide a good-quality winter coat for a local primary-aged child this winter. The charity is appealing for donations of any amount from individuals, community groups and businesses.

ESUB started in 2015 when a group of local women decided to make life better for local children, young people and their families. It became a registered charity in 2017.

The charity employs two part-time staff, who are assisted by a team of volunteers.

https://edinburghuniform.org/donate/