Charity shopping has many upsides. Whether you’re worried about breaking the bank, or trying to find a unique outfit, they’ll have what you need for cheap. Here are some of the main perks of buying from charity shops.
Festive Gift Giving
With Christmas fast approaching, many of us are worried about having to loosen our purse strings and shell out large sums of money on presents for our loved ones. Giving gifts can be one of the best things about this season, but it can also prove to be a real financial burden.
Don’t fret, charity shops are here to save the day. The clothes, shoes, and other items you can find second-hand are guaranteed to be cheaper than buying them brand new from a retail store, despite both generally being of similar quality. This means you can get more bang for your buck, and you don’t need to worry about breaking the bank on just one item.
If you have already decided on some presents with higher price tags that have left you with limited funds for your own needs, look no further than your local charity shops for help. They will likely have what you’re looking for at a much lower price than surrounding retailers, which means you can still afford that pricey gift for your special someone without putting your bank account in jeopardy.
Environmental Benefits
With the current state of the climate crisis facing the world today, buying second-hand clothes to support sustainable fashion is becoming increasingly important. Utilizing charity shops is an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. The fashion industry is thought to be the second biggest polluter in the world, with the oil industry in the top spot. Major retailers cause problems for the environment in many of their practices, including fast fashion, which aims for the quickest mass-produced turnaround possible to keep up with new trends. So, while it may seem that shopping second hand will not make a sizeable environmental difference, it truly can if more people get on board.
It is also important to make sure you donate your unwanted clothing and other items to charity shops. This way, they can be passed on to someone else who may have otherwise gone looking for something similar in a shop that is heavily contributing to pollution.
Unique Finds
One of the best things about going into a charity shop is that you never know what you’re going to find. You could visit the same shop every day and always manage to come across something different. This creates an exciting opportunity to snap up some unique pieces to add to your home and wardrobe.
There is even the chance of picking up higher end or designer items for a tiny fraction of their original, unattainable price. You can find anything from regular every day clothes to full length gowns, and even the occasional wedding dress! The bottom line is, charity shopping is never a boring endeavour, as looking through each garment is an adventure in itself.
Donating to Worthy Causes
You can feel good about any purchase you make at a charity shop. Knowing your money is going towards helping those in need rather than to a massive corporation is something to be proud of. Sometimes it can be hard to give to charity on top of paying for personal expenses, but charity shopping enables you to gain and give back at the same time. It is a great option for those looking to help out on a budget.
Here are 10 charities with shops around Brighton and Hove, and what they are fighting for. This is by no means an exhaustive list as there are plenty of other charity shops throughout the city, all working hard for noble causes. Which ones will you support this festive season?
Martlets Hospice: This charity helps those with terminal illnesses spend the time they have left it in the most fulfilling ways possible by providing comprehensive home and inpatient care, as well as building a community of support.
The Sussex Beacon: Sufferers of HIV are provided specialist care by this charity as both outpatients and inpatients. The aim is to help patients with their independence while also supporting their general health and wellbeing.
British Heart Foundation: Money raised by this charity goes towards research for treatments and cures for circulatory and heart related diseases and conditions.
PDSA: Protecting pets and promoting their proper care through education, prevention, and treatment are the main aims of this charity. Money raised goes towards providing vet treatments for injured and unwell animals who would not otherwise be able to receive adequate care.
Shelter: Those who find themselves homeless or in other unfavourable housing situations are helped by this charity through legal services, advice, and receiving the support that they desperately need.
Mind: This charity exists to support sufferers of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. They do so by providing advice and support, making people feel understood and preventing them from going through their issues alone.
The Children’s Society: Vulnerable children in need of help and support can find it through this charity. Any child who feels unable to cope with what’s going on in their life can turn here for services that will help get them back on the right track.
Scope: This organisation fights for a fair and equal society with the needs of disabled people in mind. They also help provide information and emotional support for those with disabilities, making their lives a little bit brighter and easier.
Friends Charity: Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust, and Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust all receive funds from this charity. Their aim is to create a better experience for all patients of the NHS in Brighton, Hove, and Newhaven.
Chestnut Tree House: This is a Sussex based charity that helps children who have been diagnosed with terminal illnesses by providing hospice care. Support and advice is provided for the children and their families.
