Wastewise Clothing Swap- 17th May 2019

About 25 members of the local community took part in the Friends of the Farm inaugural Clothing Swap Event on 17^th May, 2019 at Ambury Farm. I was very happy to be part of the team organizing this fun event.

Friends of the Farm promoted this event via flyers, emails, and social media prior to the Clothes Swap and, on the night, a team of dedicated volunteers set up the space with changing rooms, fairy lights, mirrors, flowers, and music.

The idea was simple: we invited registered attendees to come with some second-hand clothing in season and in good condition, and ‘swap’ their items for new items to add to their wardrobe. While attendees enjoyed some drinks and light supper, Friends of the Farm volunteers organized the donated items to look like a ‘swap store.’

Once we opened the store, folks were speedily sifting through items and trying them on in the newly created changing rooms. Thanks to the keen volunteers, enthusiastic participants and a great energy, the swap was a great success; everyone went home with something “new.”

The remaining items were donated to the St Vincent de Paul shop in Mangere Bridge.  We have them to thank for the loan of the clothing racks and, thanks to a koha basket, we raised $60 at the end of the night.

This was an entertaining and enjoyable event that helped raise awareness in the local community of the impact of over-consumption and offer some ways to combat this mindset. In addition, Friends of the Farm was able to share details of other initiatives coming up throughout the year. We had such a good time, we’re hoping to replicate the event as we approach summer.

Special thanks to all the donations and to the volunteers that made it happen. I’ll definitely be coming back and encouraging my friends to do the same! 

Written by Rachel Kitchens