The Leith Collective launches free school uniform exchange to help families in need
They say your school days are the best days of your life. But for many pupils in Edinburgh, just making it to the school gates can be an issue, especially for those whose families are struggling to cover the cost of basic essentials such as a uniform.
And so, before the current term draws to a close, one local Community Interest Company is launching a free school uniform exchange, so every pupil can start the new academic year in August looking smart and feeling confident.
Back for the fourth year, The Leith Collective will open a free school uniform exchange within its Ocean Terminal and Fort Kinnaird stores in Edinburgh, as well as its store at the Overgate Centre in Dundee on Friday 26th June. Here, families in need can collect good quality uniforms, coats, gym kits, shoes, schoolbags and pencil cases, completely free of charge, no questions asked.
The aim of this initiative is to give all pupils an equal start to the school year, as The Leith Collective founder Sara Thomson explains; “Every day I see first-hand the huge inequality here in Edinburgh.
“Education has the power to provide a path out of poverty, but for some children, just accessing that education is fraught with obstacles. A lack of uniform is one of them.
“I hope that providing good quality items, no child will feel forced to skip school because they fear being judged for not having a uniform or for wearing ill-fitting or worn-out items. All children should start school on an equal footing, and uniforms shouldn’t hold anyone back.”
To ensure there are enough uniform items to meet demand, The Leith Collection is calling on locals to donate good quality pre-loved items, and businesses to donate surplus new stock.
People can donate and collect items at any of The Leith Collective stores during opening hours.
