Queen Mother’s Clothing Guild is one of the UK’s oldest charities and, from its foundation in 1882, its purpose has been to support those most in need. We respond to requests from charities right across the UK for clothing and bedding items that they have difficulty in sourcing or funding themselves. We know that the gift of new clothing and bedding provides warmth and comfort, helping to restore dignity and self-respect.
The charities we support include refuges for women and children escaping violence, homeless shelters and outreach units, hostels supporting ex-servicemen and women, neonatal units, hospices providing respite and end of life care for children and adults and those working to support the elderly and frail. Each year we ask them for a list of items they need most.
Over the year QMCG fundraises in order to source and purchase large amounts of clothing and bedding and our many supporters and volunteers also lovingly hand make thousands of hats, gloves, scarves, clothes and blankets. Every autumn, as we have done for over 100 years, we hold an event at St James’s Palace in London, where we sort, count and pack all the clothing and bedding ready for collection by the various charities. Distributing in autumn works well for many charities as their needs are greatest in the winter months.
Last year we donated 57,221 items of clothing and bedding to 60 charities in England and Scotland.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed by the generosity of what we received. It is just so fantastic, there is just so much wonderful new clothing, bedding, towels etc. We are truly grateful, some of the residents have already benefited from the wonderful clothes that we have given to them. All of the staff here are delighted and giving the women and children brand new clothes and not second hand clothes will really help with their self-esteem and help them not feel like they are second rate individuals.”
Swindon Women’s Aid
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