Member Article

MANCUNIANS CLEAR OUT TWO TONNES OF PRELOVED CLOTHING FOR CHARITY

Multi-award-winning Manchester Arndale initiative, The Empty Shop, has inspired generous Mancunians to donate TWO TONNES of clothing to raise money for local charities.

Supported by Coronation Street legend, Helen Worth, the project has once again touched the hearts of local people who visited The Empty Shop in their droves, donating around 100 bags of pre-loved clothing to the cause.

Manchester-based fashion retailer N Brown donated £56,000 worth of brand new samples, and wholesaler Apple Green donated 20 boxes.

The clothing - which was collected at the stylish drop off point in the Upper Mall of Manchester Arndale - has been counted up, weighed and taken to the Goodstock by V•Inspired store on Oxford Road, where it is now on sale. The sale of the pre-loved clothing will raise funds for this year’s charity partners, V•Inspired and Centrepoint, who both directly help Manchester’s young people.

V•Inspired is the UK’s leading volunteering charity for 14-30-year olds, helping more than 37,000 young people every year to make their mark on causes that they care about while learning new skills for employability and personal development.

Centrepoint supports more than 9,200 homeless young people each year and works in Manchester supporting over 2,000 vulnerable young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

Coronation Street star Helen Worth, said: “The Empty Shop is a fantastic initiative, and it’s quite staggering that two tonnes of clothes have been donated and will find new homes. Charity shops don’t have to be boring and drab, and The Empty Shop project definitely proves that!

“I’d absolutely urge anyone to check out the donations at Goodstock - you might just find a new outfit, and the money you pay will support the work of two amazing charities in Manchester.”

David Allinson, Centre Director at Manchester Arndale, commented: “Once again we are overwhelmed by the generosity of the Manchester community and its fashion businesses. The calibre of clothing donated this year is fantastic, from vintage collectible football shirts to high-end designer items. The sale of the clothing will help raise vital funds for our brilliant charity partners and the work they do for Manchester’s young people.

Ben Bowden, Regional Fundraising Manager from Centrepoint, said: “This is the first year that Centrepoint has been involved with this amazing initiative by Manchester Arndale, and we have been overwhelmed with the giving spirit of the people of Manchester. Our charity raises money to help the city’s most vulnerable young people and Manchester shoppers can support our cause by visiting the Goodstock shop on Oxford Road and grabbing some fashion bargains.’’

Tim Charlton from V•Inspired, commented: “Yet again we are so impressed with the response to The Empty Shop project. Residents have donated in their thousands, and the rails of the Goodstock shop are teaming with some incredible finds for the keen fashion lover. We would once again like to thank the generous people of Manchester and look forward to seeing you at the sale!’’

The Empty Shop sale launched last night with a high profile; celebrity-studded party at Goodstock. The charities have also launched a joint eBay shop, where a limited number of more valuable items will go on sale.

The Goodstock by V•Inspired Shop is located at 6 Oxford Road, Manchester, M1 5QA.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Eve Deasy .