featuring WRAP UP LONDON
I arrived in Britain in the summer, fifteen years ago.
I had with me one photo album, one diary, pens, a couple of books, a Walkman (do you remember those?), my university diploma and a very small wardrobe of mainly tops and bottoms. The only pair of shoes I had thought of taking was on me and it lasted a whole year. I still retain wonderful memories – my best ever shoes!
Although I was planning to stay for a whole year (that’s what my study visa said), I did not have the foresight to bring a coat with me. Living only in the moment, for me the summer had extended.
I managed to ignore the absence of a coat until mid-November, when suddenly a chilly day spent at Seven Sisters moved me along.
I found myself at an impasse: my student grant was not permissive, and although I also worked (for the most amazing Infinity Foods, but that’s another story), all extra pennies were put aside for further travels. My priorities were different then.
A neighbourhood charity shop saved me.
The most beautiful, dark green winter coat in my size became my own, for many years to come. I was so in love with this new coat that I bought some felt flowers and sowed them on. Its pockets large, they hosted all sorts of things: pens, paper, concert tickets, flight stubs, sweet wrappers.
A couple of years ago I decided it was time to part with my coat, so I returned it to the charity shop. By the time I made my way to actually drop it off (permanently protracting from the pile of clothes waiting by the door), the winter was almost finished.
WRAP UP LONDON
This year, I started going through my winter clothes early, and to my utter disbelief, I found two extra coats. From none, to too many. The beauty of having this blog now is that I keep finding out goodwill ventures, so this year I am donating both coats early. WRAP UP LONDON organise collection points for coats throughout London, and one of them is London Victoria, so next Wednesday, that will be where my two coats are going.
Have you got an extra coat?
Pop on Wrap up London’s website and check out their collection points. They will donate it to someone who needs it this winter.
This is not the first time I have featured this organisation on the blog. To read more on what they do through out the year in London, and how you can get involved, hop on here.
