FAKE designer clothing is being handed out in Liverpool 8 to help people living in extreme poverty beat the worst of winter.
The haul of counterfeit clothes, bedding and footwear were seized and confiscated by Trading Standards officers from Liverpool City Council.
Now they have had the bogus labels removed and have been rebranded by the national charity, His Church. Around 90 per cent of British Trading Standards authorities now hand over all the clothes they seize to the charity.
His Church, which is based in Lincolnshire, recently gave out fake Liverpool and Everton kits to the Liverpool Homeless Football Club. It has even received calls from America with jeans giant Tommy Hilfiger wanting its help to take counterfeit goods.
The latest raft of items are to be distributed to people in need in the Lodge Lane area, including those who are not eligible to claim benefits.
Advocates from the city council's Healthy Homes team, which carries out home safety and wellbeing surveys, raised concerns about some Lodge Lane residents' ability to stay warm during cold weather, especially in the face of escalating fuel costs.
Healthy Homes, His Church and Harthill Youth Service have arranged for rebranded items to be handed out. Items donated in response to an appeal from Healthy Homes and Harthill Youth centre will also be available.
This will take place this Wednesday, November 21, from 2 - 4pm, at the United Reformed Church, Earle Road. Safety and health information and advice will also be given. People from the Lodge Lane area are invited to attend.
Local Councillor Tim Beaumont said: "As we face winter, the hard work of the Healthy Homes team is needed more than ever. The community support work they're planning along with Trading Standards and the team at Harthill Youth Centre will help families stay warm and safe."
