Brighton’s charity coat appeal sees public go ‘above and beyond’

The three-day campaign received 2,126 coats and 820 accessories, such as scarves, hats and gloves, to give to charities that support those who are vulnerable.

In partnership with HandsOn London, the appeal, which ran for the first time from November 11 to 13, was supported by American Express and Rotary Brighton and Hove.

The public could donate items at railway stations, churches, community centres, and at the Brighton and Burgess Hill offices American Express. The University Sussex and the University of Brighton also had collection points on its campuses.

Vice president of American Express Beverly Sawyers said: “The response from the local community has gone above and beyond all our expectations.

“People’s generosity has been amazing. Receiving a warm coat will make a huge difference to those most in need across the city.

“We hope to build on the success of this year’s campaign to make next year’s Wrap Up Brighton & Hove even better.”

Charities involved in giving out the coats include: Sussex Homeless Support, The Clock Tower Sanctuary, Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project, First Base Brighton Housing Trust, Brighton and Hove YMCA and Brighton Women’s Centre.

Robert Griffiths, of Rotary Brighton and Hove, said: “We know that Brighton & Hove is a big-hearted city – in just three days we were inundated with coats.

“We’d like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who got involved and all those who were able to gift a warm coat.”