Charity appeals for winter wear

The recent sub-zero temperatures have come as a big shock to many of the students living at the International Village in Sedlescombe, who are used to more tropical climes such as Zimbabwe, Uganda and Zambia.

Jonathan Williams, marketing officer for Pestalozzi, said: “Because our students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, they often arrive at Pestalozzi without any suitable winter clothing. We provide them with Pestalozzi fleeces, but obviously as a charity we need the help of the public to make sure all our students have warm hats, gloves, scarves, socks, coats and other age-appropriate winter wear – as well as backpacks to take to college. The point about age is important, as our students are older teens in a totally new country, and we want them to be able to fit in with their peers as easily as possible so they can concentrate on their education and making the most of their time here.”

Pestalozzi also has a textile bank, accepting: curtains, clean clothes of all kinds, accessories, clean bed linen (not duvets, pillows or mattresses) and shoes. These must be dry, clean and tied in a bag – good quality textiles are exported to parts of Africa, Asia and Eastern Europe, providing good quality affordable second hand clothing. Poor quality textiles are shredded and used as mattress fillers and industrial wiping clothes. Drop donations off at the Pestalozzi reception, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.