Winter coat giveaway in Ballybeen
With a drop in temperatures and winter around the corner, along with the challenges of the current cost of living crisis, St Mary’s Ballybeen is running the Winter Coat Project this week in conjunction with ROC (Redeeming Our Communities).
Good quality, pre–loved coats as well as (new) hats, scarves and gloves for children and adults have been donated over the last three days and will be given away on Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday. Whilst St Mary’s is the collection and pick–up location, other churches in the area are supporting the project through the ROC Ballybeen initiative.
Rector of St Mary’s, Revd Jim Cheshire said:
“I was startled recently to hear that 65% of Christians Against Poverty NI clients could not afford weather–appropriate clothing for themselves or a family member. Given the extent of the cost of living crisis and the jump in fuel and utility prices, we knew we wanted to do something to help our community. We could not afford to provide gas and oil for everyone who needs it, but giving away pre–loved winter clothing to help people stay warm seemed like something that we could do.
“Through our working relationships with ROC and local churches and the generosity of the community, I’ve been blown away by the quality and quantity of clothing that’s come in for us to give away over the next few days. It’s all free, no questions asked. Please pray with us that many will be blessed by this initiative.”
Pick–up times
Wednesday 26 October: 10–12pm, 2–4pm and 7–8pm
Thursday 27 October: 12–4pm
At Sunday’s service on 30 October which starts at 11.30am