As we swelter through one of the hottest summers in Australia and New Zealand, it is easy to forget that Europe is experiencing one of their coldest winters. As temperatures continue to plummet across the United Kingdom, one woman has come up with a novel idea to help the homeless stay warm.
Local paramedic Fay Sibley decided to collect a dozen unwanted to coats from friends and family and set up a small stall outside the Colchester Library in Essex. Her idea was simple, those who would need a coat were invited to take one. Those who wanted to help, were invited to leave one.
As more and more people spotted the rack, dozens more coats began to appear. Fay’s original Facebook post has now been shared more than one thousand times. Others have been inspired to set up their own coat exchanges around the country, including one at a local kindergarten.
Fay’s friend Jo Bailey, said her three year old daughter has also been helping out by spreading the news on the streets. “Olive told a couple of guys sleeping outside a shop to wake up because they could get a coat. They were really grateful and chuffed,” she said.
Fay’s story has been picked up by the BBC series Amazing Humans. Watch their video below
