Tŷ HAFAN, the hospice for children in Wales, is working with staff, volunteers, and shoppers this week to promote the benefits of buying pre-loved clothing to mark Sustainable Fashion Week.
The Sully-based charity, which provides care and support for children with life-limiting conditions and their families, has 19 charity shops. Activities will be centred in and around those, with awareness raising sessions, dedicated window displays and fashion shows, plus a countrywide search for Wales’ most stylish and sustainable people thanks to Tŷ Hafan’s Sustainable Fashion Challenge.
Tŷ Hafan head of retail, Laura James said: “More and more people are becoming environmentally conscious and don’t want to wear clothes that cost the earth. An increasing desire for living sustainably and an awareness of the negative environmental impacts of fast fashion is creating a consumer shift towards second-hand fashion. Our Tŷ Hafan charity shops have been stalwarts and leaders in selling pre-loved clothing for decades.
“When you buy clothing from one of our charity shops, you will extend the life of these garments, reducing the environmental impact of your wardrobe, as well as helping to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Wales. And if that wasn’t enough, your purchase won’t break the bank and you may find a one-of-a-kind piece that no one else will own.”
The Sustainable Fashion Challenge has £20 vouchers up for grabs for the winners to spend in one of Tŷ Hafan’s shops. There will be a prize for the best female, best male and best under 18.
To enter, visit a Tŷ Hafan shop; style an outfit with at least one thing you’ve bought from a Tŷ Hafan shop; take a photo of yourself wearing the outfit; share it on social media using the hashtag #tyhafanstyle and tag Tŷ Hafan, explaining why you chose that item. Then tag a friend to nominate them to get involved.
Entries close at midnight on 31st October 2021 and winners will be announced in November 2021.
Laura James added: “By shopping in one of our shops, you’re helping to stop clothes from going to landfill as well as supporting a good cause, enabling us to support children with life-limiting conditions and their families in Wales.
“This year alone Tŷ Hafan will prevent 277,561 kilos of textiles going into landfill. Plus, the money raised from selling just one outfit (£10) could help us provide one hour of creative play in the hospice for a child with a life-limiting condition. These fun sessions help to develop the children’s confidence and self-esteem.”
