We at The Gaggler LOVE a charitable initiative – and when it’s an initiative that supports a brilliant cause that boosts another of our favourite topics – sustainability – it’s always going to be a win-win situation.
Following a massive response to the region’s first-of-its-kind online charity store which launched midway through COVID-19’s lockdown in April, Thrift For Good is opening its first retail store on The Palm Jumeirah next weekend.
Rehoming a variety of secondhand items, Thrift For Good raises funds for children’s charity, Gulf For Good – and was founded by the charity’s former Operations Manager, Jen Sault.
“The demand and appreciation for good-quality, second-hand items in Dubai is growing, and thanks to the support from the community, we’re delighted to open our first retail store,” said Jen. “This is a great opportunity for us to make charity thrift accessible to a wider audience in Dubai, reduce waste and raise even more funds for children around the world in partnership with Gulf for Good”.
Engaging some 100 volunteers, 250 donors and more than 350 customers since it’s conception, TFG or, as its team lovingly calls it ‘The People’s Store’, has gained incredible support from eco-conscious consumers, humanitarians and fashion lovers across the city, with the physical store giving both existing and new customers the chance to shop with enhanced transparency and communication.
Opening to the public over a special launch weekend of November 13 and 14, the store at Golden Mile Galleria 2, Palm Jumeirah Dubai, will be hosting a fashion show, environmental up-cycling and craft workshops, raffle prizes, musical performances and much more whilst customers are encouraged to shop for brilliant secondhand bargains. Serving as a clothing donation drop-off point, supplementing TFG’s weekly mobile collections as well as a retail destination, the store has been created with the help of some key local business, with furnishings sponsored by Marina Home Interiors, Interior Design work by Project Piña, storage sponsorship from The Box, and event decoration by Twenty 7even Events.
Open seven days a week, from 10 am until 10 pm, the new store promises to be a must-visit for savvy, sustainably-minded shoppers keen to get their hands on secondhand finds from all over the city, and who want to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate across the globe.
“We’re so proud and delighted to have our sister social enterprise open its first retail location, which we have no doubt will raise a significant amount for children around the world,” says Gulf For Good’s Anne Edmondson. “Aside from boosting the city’s new-found focus on sustainability, TFG’s profits are supporting Gulf for Good and its international projects for underprivileged children, which has raised nearly US$4 million through more than 60 charity projects in 27 countries, helping more than 35,000 children over the last 19 years”.
Shopping for a really good cause, and being sustainable at the same time? We’ll see you there next weekend. Check out TFG’s Instagram @ThriftforGood
