Charities and what we recycle
Charities are one of the most time-consuming, space-taking, and difficult parts of our business. Staying on top of which charities are genuine and dealing with their constant changes and restrictions is overwhelming. Time, space, and delivery are expensive. We justify this cost to offer a one stop shop for women who want to do the right thing but are time poor. We aim to make it easy and rewarding for people to do the right thing.
It is our promise that nothing that comes through our doors goes to landfill.
Over the years we have sent clothing to many countries. We focus on our Australian and Pacific Island sisters whenever possible and women's projects such as working the markets to empower women's independence through fashion and good will. We have contributed towards having wells built in the villages and managed to keep thousands of kilograms of clothing out of the landfill.
We have sent things all around the world through the generosity of airline hostesses, expats, and church groups. We have customers who have driven across Sydney to help us get bras to where they needed to go. We are inspired by great acts of kindness by women who want help and participate in some way towards sustainable fashion, women in need and the environment.
We currently send a lot of items to Nigeria and many other channels – but that changes constantly.
See below what we currently collect and redistribute to reputable sources on your behalf.
We collect, trade, donate and recycle for you. Credit is only given on items we can sell in store.
Wedding dresses
Some may be traded in for debutant balls but most redistributed.
Vintage clothing
Only exceptional pieces are kept instore. The rest is sent to vintage specialists who repair and recycle through their sources.
Men's clothing
Please keep in a separate bag and label “men”. This goes straight to Africa.
Children's clothing and toys
Given to Dandelion or sent to Africa.
Prescription and sunglasses
Exclusive sunglasses will receive credit in store and the remainder is donated and recycled through our local optometrists.
Shopping and gift bags
Gift bags and designer labeled shopping bags are recycled in store. No one has ever objected to receiving their goods in a recycled gift bag.
Clothes hangers
We regularly put a box outside the store – free hangers for anyone who needs them.
Sewing tools
Donated to a local sewing group.
Jewellery new and broken
We donate this to a local mental health unit and the patients remake the jewellery into art. Incredibly beneficial to their productivity and creative abilities.
Swimwear and pyjamas
Donated to women's charities or sent to Africa.
Buckles and bag straps
Buckles are collected and reused on better belts. Bag straps are saved to use for recycling bags.
Camisoles and slips
All sizes kept and given away with any purchase that needs one.
Share the Dignity
Our work directly benefits those in crisis experiencing period poverty. Share the Dignity is a women's charity in Australia, that works to make a real difference in the lives of those experiencing homelessness, fleeing domestic violence, or doing it tough. We distribute period products to women, girls, and anyone who menstruates who needs support. When someone is doing it tough, the last thing on their mind should be dealing with their period. Find out more: www.sharethedignity.com.au
Gordon Clinic
The Gordon Clinic is an Australian leader in private mental health care.
We supply the Clinic with all of our broken costume jewellery, which is recreated into artworks by the Clinic’s patients. They comprehensive and integrated mental health treatment in an outpatient setting based on a Clinical Model developed at the world renowned Black Dog Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital.
Dress for Success
The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. Find out more: www.sydney.dressforsuccess.org