Queanbeyan residents are joining in a growing worldwide trend of supplying coats and other warm clothing to those in need.
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Inspired by Take One, Leave One: The Winter Coat Project operating at various locations in Canberra, Deborah Olde set up a coat stand outside her salon in Queanbeyan’s Crawford Street last Tuesday.
She has been overwhelmed by the response.
“Over 120 garments have been taken in a week and a half and even more have been donated,” Ms Olde said.
After three ads were placed on Facebook regarding the initiative, Ms Olde’s Elements Face and Body page received more than 20,000 hits.
Coat drives such as this have been appearing in towns and cities across Australia after news of successful projects in the UK spread online.
Ms Olde said the generosity amongst the Queanbeyan community was great to see, with donations of not only coats but brand new pyjamas, underwear and socks received.
Much of this clothing was brought to HOME and St Benedict’s to be spread throughout the homeless community.
The stand will continue to run “until people stop taking the clothes,” Ms Olde said.
“It’s five minutes extra in the morning and night for us.”
“I’m definitely happy to keep it there.”
“It’s just a really good feeling.”
If you would like to make a donation you can leave items of clothing in good condition outside Elements Face and Body, 9/251 Crawford Street, Queanbeyan.
