by Lorna
Inspired by Mary Queen of Charity Shops (brill program) I have recently begun volunteering at my local Oxfam shop. I expected it to be rewarding, but full of complaining grannies resisting change (like in the show!). What I found instead was lovely forward thinking people and an INCREDIBLE business model. Nothing you donate to Oxfam EVER ends up in a landfill! Seriously... not a single thing!
Good quality clothes, shoes, home wear and books are sorted, priced and sold in store. Rare items are sold on eBay. Fur goes to a charity for helping homeless people keep warm through winter. Bras get shipped to Africa by the ton. Fancy dress and wellies get sold to party loving revelers by Oxfam teams at festivals (I have been a customer many a time!). Even stained or torn clothes get a new life through being sold for rags for printing. Every penny that can be made is made. This is because everyone who works or volunteers for Oxfam has one simple united aim... to raise as much money as possible to end global poverty and suffering.
With that singular aim in mind a selection of A-list stars have joined Oxfam and Selfridges to create, stock and staff Britian’s biggest charity pop up shop. The shop, opening tomorrow, has been curated by an elite team, including Whistles CEO Jane Sheperdson, and will be stocked with affordable handpicked vintage and high-end gems donated by the stylish celebs.
You can check out amazing one-offs, from Livia Firth’s red carpet dresses (above) to Carey Mulligan’s bafta dress. Other celebs donating include the likes of Alexa Chung ( below), Helen Mirren, Will Young and Natalie Imbruglia. There will also be designer contributions from Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Roger Vivier, and many more.
All proceeds from The Oxfam Curiosity Shop will go directly to women’s projects supported by Oxfam. These projects protect and support vulnerable women: campaigning against violence, empowering them to fight HIV and AIDS and offering the chance of education.
Hurry down and bag yourself a gorgeous gold sparkly dress worn by Annie Lennox to accept a glamour award! If you’re very lucky she may even serve you!
Click here to see a brilliant video of Annie Lennox showing some of her gorgeous donations!
The shop will be in the Selfridges’ Ultralounge (lower ground floor) for one week only from Friday 14 May to Thursday 20. If you can’t make it to London, there is also an online aution on eBay until Thursday 20 May.
Facts: Oxfam Charity pop up shop at Selfridges 14 to 20 May. Donated celebrity clothes. Images: Livia Firth in Green Red Carpet challenge, dress donated for Oxfam sale. Mulberry Suit donated by Alexa Chung for Oxfam eBay auction.
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