Warm response to town pharmacy's winter coats swap idea

A PROJECT launched by New Milton Pharmacy to provide free coats to those in need has proved a huge success.

A rack full of donated items was set up outside the shop in Station Road with a “If you need a warm coat please take one” notice on it. It also asked: “If you have a spare coat please donate one.”

Pharmacist Shafiq Mohamedtaqi said: “People were really pleased to see it. A lot of people took coats - but just as many donated one as well.

“It’s been really lovely to see the response it got from those who really needed a nice warm coat - and those in the community who wanted to help others."

Mr Mohamedtaqi is the secretary of his local mosque in Fareham. He co-ordinated the ‘Keep yourself warm’ project first asking members of the mosque to donate coats for people in need before setting up a rack with them on it outside his store.

He said: “It has been a very successful project. At first people were a bit hesitant to help themselves, but as I told them ‘that’s what the sign says!’

“This is the first of several projects we are going to be doing for the community and it could not have gone better.”

When a photo of the coat rack was posted on social media people responded with delight saying it was a “fantastic idea.”

Laura Elizabeth Mulley who runs the Freeuse Uniform Hub, which recycles second hand school uniforms, said: “This idea really made my heart smile.

“The winter really effects many vulnerable people. Homeless, elderly, people with addiction issues, people with mental/physical health issues and people struggling financially.”

“Sue Wiffen said: “Love this, well done New Milton Pharmacy.”

Penny Glunning added: “Great idea. New Milton has a great community spirit.”