Reducing waste wherever possible and supporting others

Wherever we can we want to support other communities and any opportunity in further reducing waste we will grasp!

Despite our best efforts, some items are just difficult to re-home locally and we know that there are plenty of people in real need of what we can offer. 

Some of the key outreach support we have given over the last year includes:

1) Lusaka in Zambia: Thanks to our partner organisation Tusa Hand Foundation (find them on Facebook!) we have an amazing contact who supports her local community and distributes regular parcels we send to her. Money raised at our events helps to pay for these packages to get to Zambia and cover the tax costs. We have managed to send lots of school shoes as well as other much needed items which literally change lives to those living in such poor communities. Without suitable footwear, children can't attend school (despite school being government funded for every child) and thus old worn school shoes that we struggle to re-home here are passports to education for the children that our friend Nawa Mwakoi and her team support. 

2) Smalls for all: Sent hundreds of bras either directly to Zambia or to other countries where they are much needed via charities such as Smalls for All. A bra or underwear may seem like a small thing, but can make a life changing impact. For example, many teenage girls or women don't leave the house during their periods, missing school or work. So our preloved items can make a huge difference to woman in these countries; because dignity matters.

3) Provided clothes to those struggling with the cost of living in our local communities via health visitors, social services and other organisations helping others. We have also helped a lot of local schools and PTAs bulk out their stock of second hand uniform and provided warm coats destined for children who will need them.

We'd love to hear from you if there's something you want to help us support as part of this outreach! If it stays out of landfill then we are happy, added bonus if it's items that are difficult to rehome locally or that we are overstocked on (usually 0-6 month baby clothes and school uniform!). 

Please get in touch at thebigclothesmovement@hotmail.com or speak to us at one of our events!