Harehills ❤️ Love

In the spirit of community support and sustainability, we’re shining a light on Zero Waste Leeds and their incredible initiatives that are making a real difference in Harehills. Despite facing funding cuts, this dedicated organization continues to provide vital services that help families save money, reduce waste, and stay warm during the winter months.

Leeds School Uniform Exchange:

The Leeds School Uniform Exchange is a shining example of community collaboration and resourcefulness. Launched in 2021, this initiative makes it easy for families to pass on good-quality school uniforms that are no longer needed. Instead of buying new, families can find a wide variety of uniform items for free, saving money and reducing textile waste.  

Zero Waste Leeds supports the exchange by helping to establish uniform-sharing schemes at schools, online, and in neighborhoods across Leeds. Their user-friendly website allows parents to search for their child’s school or find their nearest exchange point. With an impressive 82% of schools in Leeds now covered by a uniform exchange, this initiative has seen tremendous growth, going from distributing 8,500 items in 2021 to an incredible 22,880 items this year.  

Leeds Winter Coat Appeal:

As the winter chill sets in, the Leeds Winter Coat Appeal provides a lifeline for families in need. Launched in 2022, this initiative collects donations of unwanted winter items and distributes them to families across Leeds through community hubs and libraries.  

Last year alone, the Winter Coat Appeal gave out 7,600 items, saving people over £144,000 that could have been spent on other essentials. This year’s campaign, launched on October 21st, 2024, has already distributed 3,050 winter items, with a goal of reaching 8,000 items by the end of February 2025.  

With 65 donation points and 25 distribution points across Leeds, the Winter Coat Appeal is making a significant impact, keeping families warm while promoting sustainability and reducing waste.  

Facing Challenges with Resilience:

Despite facing funding cuts for their other initiatives, Zero Waste Leeds remains committed to running the Leeds School Uniform Exchange and the Leeds Winter Coat Appeal. Their dedication to serving the community and promoting sustainability is truly inspiring. [Image 1]

A Call to Action:

If you have any unwanted school uniforms or winter coats in good condition, consider donating them to Zero Waste Leeds. You can find a list of donation points on their website or social media pages. By supporting these initiatives, you’ll be helping families in Harehills and contributing to a more sustainable and compassionate community.

And finally, a thank you filled with some of the great success the community and Zero Waste Leeds achieved, from their most recent Winter Coat Appeal Impacts.