The charity has sourced a number of warm coats which can be converted into sleeping bags, designed to protect those sleeping on the streets during the cold winter months.
Traditionally, Mantelsonndeg, or “Coat Sunday”, is a custom in Luxembourg where shoppers purchase winter coats at discounted prices on a specific Sunday in October. Médecins du Monde has launched an appeal to coincide with the event, to encourage people to consider those who are less fortunate as temperatures begin to plummet.
The homeless are able to visit any of the Médecins du Monde care centres in Bonnevoie or Esch-sur-Alzette to request a coat or sleeping bag.
Dr Yolande Wagener, a volunteer with the charity, said that the risks posed by the lack of warmth and shelter for the homeless could lead to illness and even death, calling the cold a “real mortal danger” for those sleeping on the streets.
The charity purchases the coats from The Empowerment Plan initiative, based in Detroit, USA, as it has been unable to find an equivalent supplier in Europe. The coats, nicknamed “solidarity coats”, are entirely financed by donations.
If you would like to donate to the charity, details can be found below (use the reference “Manteaux solidaires”):
BILLLULL IBAN LU75 0020 0100 0005 0700
BGLLULL IBAN LU93 0030 0933 3757 0000
CCPLLULL IBAN LU40 1111 7023 9417 0000
