This week sees the start of a six-week Second Hand Summer Challenge in the city of Gloucester!
Everyone loves a bargain and this summer there’s more reason than ever to hunt some out in Gloucester’s own treasure trove of charity shops.
Pre-loved clothes, brilliantly retro homewares and vintage finds – there’s something extra special about rooting them out for a steal, while supporting worthwhile causes along the way. And now there’s more incentive than ever to visit the city centre’s amazing network of charity outlets and nose through all they have to offer, by taking part in the Second Hand Summer Challenge.
Simply pick up a stamp card with any purchase at a participating charity shop, collect six stamps in total and you’ll be in with a chance of winning a Gloucester Gift Card to spend on whatever you like and keep supporting city centre retailers.
Ellen Watkins, Multi‑Shop Manager in Gloucester for Great Western Air Ambulance Charity, says:
“We’re super excited to be involved in the Second-hand Summer Challenge, working together with other charity shops within Gloucester city centre to help impact and encourage customers to shop more sustainably. We have everything you could possibly need, along with a friendly team and a clean and inviting shop environment!”
“Our GWAAC Boutique shop is unique with high-end and designer fashion, encouraging creative individuals to express their personality with recycled pieces. The Second-hand Summer Challenge will help promote and establish our stylish little shop and keep our customers coming back for more!”
Ellie Cleevely, Manager at Cancer Research UK Charity shop on The Oxbode, says:
“I think the project is a wonderful opportunity for the local community to help support our charities, our high street, the environment and most importantly get some amazing bargains! It is important for all of us to support each other where we can, when we can. We are very happy to be taking part in such a positive scheme for Gloucester and its residents.”
Workshops
Fancy having a go at up-cycling? There are also several low-cost workshops and demonstrations, organised by JOLT, where you can have a go at many activities including; hat up-cycling, textile weaving, clothes amending, bag making, fabric patch making, badge making and jewellery up-cycling, plus many more.
Emily Gibbon, Manager at Gloucester Business Improvement District (BID), who organised this challenge, says:
“The idea for this challenge came about by the city’s love for recycling and sustainability. It’s a great chance for people of all ages to see what our many charity shops in Gloucester have to offer, have go at up-cycling, whilst also supporting the city centre.
It’s also a great opportunity to have a clear out at home and donate your good quality unwanted items, to ensure there is plenty of choice for everyone.”
There are 11 charity shops involved in this six-week challenge:
- British Heart Foundation – Northgate Street
- Cancer Research UK – The Oxbode
- Longfield Hospice – Northgate Street
- Great Western Air Ambulance Charity – Northgate Street
- Great Western Air Ambulance Charity – Southgate Street
- Midlands Air Ambulance Charity – Eastgate Shopping Centre
- PDSA Gloucester – The Oxbode
- Salvation Army Charity Shop Gloucester – The Oxbode
- Salvation Army Charity Shop Gloucester – Eastgate Street
- Sense – Westgate Street
- YMCA Gloucester Charity Shop – Northgate Street
So, pop into one of the above shops for more information and start collecting your stamps today. You can complete as many cards as you can for more chances to win a Gloucester Gift Card worth up to £100 each week.
Take a look at our website for more details of the workshops – https://www.gloucesterbid.uk/second-hand-summer/
