Donate clothing to break world record

It set a world record for the most clothing ever donated and it’s back in Sandton this year looking to scale new heights and once again make the record books.

The award-winning The Empty Shop, which returns for a third year to Sandton City from 29 October to 20 November, is a novel way to give to charity and make a difference.

The concept is simple – donate, style and empty. From the general public to fashion bloggers, stylists and celebrities, everyone is invited to contribute pre-loved clothing which is then transformed daily on mannequins with show-stopping looks. The only prerequisite is that clothing should be clean and in a wearable condition. Every evening the store will be emptied and ready to receive new donations the next day.

The Empty Shop in Sandton City, a partnership with McCann Johannesburg, has collected 8.3 tons of clothing to date and, in 2014 set a world record for the highest amount of clothing donated. Last year, more than five tons of clothing donations were received, setting a new world record.

In addition to setting records, The Empty Shop has also been winning awards. Last month, Sandton City won the coveted Spectrum Award for The Empty Shop at the South African Council of Shopping Centres’ (SACSC) Footprint Marketing Awards.

Julie Hillary, general manager, Sandton region of JHI Retail, said the response from the public to The Empty Shop over the last two years has been outstanding. “We are delighted to host The Empty Shop once again and invite our shoppers to donate as many clothes, accessories, children’s books, games and toys as possible,” she said.

All proceeds will be donated to HospiceWits, which provides quality palliative care and support to communities in Johannesburg and Soweto. Through HospiceWits, patients are assured of the best quality of life, dignity and strength through programmes of home-based palliative care and two in-patient units.

“By partnering with initiatives such as The Empty Shop, HospiceWits is able to generate funds through the sale of donated items in our charity stores. Every item donated ensures that we never have to turn a patient away for financial reasons,” said Joy Ruwodo, marketing and fundraising manager of HospiceWits.

Details: Spread the word and join the conversation on social media and #TheEmptyShop on Twitter @SandtonCity and www.facebook.com/sandtoncity;

Instagram @Sandtonista; www.sandtoncity.com