Central London conference and events venue, The QEII Centre, has announced it will take part in WrapUp London for the seventh consecutive year, with efforts to collect as many coats as possible to help those in need.
WrapUp London, a campaign by the charity HandsOn London, is one of the largest winter volunteering drives in the capital. It collects pre-loved coats from over 40 drop off locations across the city and Greater London and distributes them to over 75 front line charities.
In 2023, WrapUp London oversaw the collection of 16,000 warm coats. According to Shelter, in August 2024, 117,450 homeless households were living in temporary accommodation, the highest figure ever. HandsOn London says: “A coat not only provides warmth, but also a gateway for people who have found themselves in difficult circumstances to access services to help them get back on their feet.”
Collections of pre-loved coats will take place in November at over 40 drop off locations across the city and Greater London, including The QEII Centre in Westminster, from the 5th to 22nd November. All donations go directly to front line charities, who share the coats with those who need them most.
Jon Meech, Chief Executive Officer, Hands on London, said: “HandsOn are thrilled to be partnering with the QEII Centre for a seventh year, and remain grateful for their support. In an ideal world, a campaign like WrapUp wouldn’t be necessary, but the number of those in need remains high, as does the demand for warm winter coats. QEII’s collection point in the centre of Westminster plays a crucial part in a campaign as it allows surrounding workplaces to host and drop off their collections. Thank you QEII for your support. Without partnerships like this one, WrapUp would not have been able to expand nearly as much as it has.”
Since 1986, the flexible seven-storey QEII Centre has played host to a huge variety of events, from major international government conferences, to conventions, exhibitions and events for the corporate and association sectors, to dinners, AGMs, award ceremonies and graduations. Situated in a prime location opposite World Heritage Site, Westminster Abbey, the QEII Centre is one of London and the UK’s foremost conference and events centres.
