After the success of last year’s collection, the University of Edinburgh is once again working with The Leith Collective/We Relove to host drop-off points for The Winter Coat Exchange, an initiative providing warm clothing to those facing financial difficulty.
Staff, students, and members of the public are invited to donate good quality winter coats and waterproof jackets, which will be redistributed free of charge to individuals in need.
Last winter, we gathered 171 coats across University collection points, adding to over 7000 coats that The Leith Collective redistributed to people in need.
The initiative aims to address two pressing issues: the cost-of-living crisis and the climate emergency. By keeping quality clothes in use for longer, the project promotes a circular economy while ensuring dignity and warmth for vulnerable members of the Edinburgh community.
How to donate
Donations of winter coats and waterproof jackets (including children’s sizes) can be dropped off at the Edinburgh Futures Institute locations listed below. Please ensure pockets are empty and items are clean and in good condition. Collection points are open from Wednesday 21 October 2026 until Friday 29 January 2027.
Canopy Kitchen & Courtyard, Edinburgh Futures Institute
- Opening times: Monday to Saturday, 8am – 8pm, Sunday 8am – 4pm
- Access: Open to all members of the public
Room 2.52, Level 2, Edinburgh Futures Institute
- Opening Times: Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5pm
- Access: Designated drop-off for University of Edinburgh staff, students, and EFI building tenants only.
Why your donation counts
Roughly one in five people in Scotland live in poverty, and for many, buying a new winter coat simply isn’t possible. Coats are handed out on a no-questions-asked basis, so anyone who needs one can get one without having to explain themselves.
Reusing clothing also cuts textile waste and avoids the carbon cost of making new garments, which ties directly into the University’s sustainability commitments.
Find out more
To learn more about the campaign or find other drop-off points around the city, visit the We Relove website.
