Aldi campaign to help keep homeless warm

Aldi Scotland has launched a new charity campaign early in the new year following the widespread success over the last two years for its ‘Not Socks Again?!’ campaign, which saw more than 4000 pairs of socks donated to good causes.

The company has partnered with Crisis Scotland to help deliver hats and gloves to help keep the most vulnerable people warm this winter.

The initiative encourages customers to drop off any unwanted or extra unused hats or gloves that they may have received as Christmas gifts to the ‘Keep Kevin Cosy’ boxes, which are in all of Aldi’s 104 Scottish stores.

The boxes will remain in place until the end of the month.

Donations will be received by Crisis Scotland, which works to help those struggling with homelessness. The charity’s policy advocacy and campaign teams come together to provide practical support and advice, inform professionals, and campaign for legislative change in order to create the best possible outcomes for people in housing need.

Neil Cowan, the charity’s head of policy & communications in Scotland, said: “As the cost-of-living crisis has intensified, demand for our services has shot up. Unaffordable housing costs, rising energy bills and increasing food prices are all factors pushing people closer to homelessness.

“Crisis Scotland operates year-round to help people take their first steps out of homelessness, or to prevent it entirely. To continue providing our services and campaigning for change, we greatly rely on the generosity of supporters, which is why we are delighted to be Aldi Scotland’s chosen charity for the Keep Kevin Cost campaign.

“On behalf of the team, we would like to thank everyone who is able to donate.”

Richard Holloway, Aldi’s Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said: “We know that homeless charities often look for warm clothing and accessories over the winter period, so I would encourage our customers to donate any unwanted hats or gloves, and put them to better use. As part of the campaign, Aldi will also make a £1,000 donation to Crisis Scotland.”