A ZERO waste shop in Romsey is holding a second hand clothes swap to help people find new homes for their unwanted garments.
Following a successful first event in May, Lemon and Jinja has announced its next swap shop will be on Sunday, July 16 from midday until 3pm.
Visitors can come along even if they have no clothes to donate, for £5 each. Half of the proceeds will be donated to Fashion Revolution, a global movement for a more environmentally friendly industry.
The eco refill shop and café at Belbins Business Park has also teamed up with Romsey Foodbank with a pay it forward scheme so shoppers can opt to donate an additional ticket for a foodbank user to come along.
READ MORE: Romsey and Winchester independent businesses come out top in Hampshire awards
Due to popular demand, the sustainable business is planning another clothes swap for children’s and babies items for Sunday, August 6.
Manager Sophie Roe said: “We really want to help people in the community. It’s not just about the business but the people. We want to build on what we already do and become even more accessible and give back to others.”
“We’ve has so much interest from customers and parents so we decided to launch a kids one too.”
Acting manager of Romsey Foodbank, Eve Ibbott, said: "Being able to buy clothes is a treat for anyone. But for many who visit us at Romsey Foodbank, often this isn't something they can prioritise or even consider.
"Having an event such as this and enabling free access for those in financial hardship is such a great initiative. For a lot of people, these clothes will be a necessity as they may not have been able to buy any clothing for a long time. As well as this, having new clothing can boost self-esteem and give people more confidence.
"We know that financial hardship, and hardship of any kind, causes stress and anxiety so being able to provide services that relieve that for people is so important. An event such as this will have the same impact on these people. Thank you to Lemon and Jinja and their customers for 'paying it forward' for those who need it most in our local community."
The upcoming events follow the shop being awarded best sustainable business in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight by Muddy Stilettos readers.
For more information go to lemonandjinja.uk/.
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