02 March 2010
Creative students launch boutique range of clothing
A new boutique range of recycled clothes has been launched at St Luke's Hospice shop on Ecclesall Road, thanks to an innovative project led by students at the University of Sheffield.
The project, which is a joint initiative between the University and the Union of Students' Bring It, Don't Bin It campaign and the SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) St Luke's Project, involved creating a unique collection of vintage recycled clothes from unwanted items donated by students moving out of their accommodation earlier this year.
The bi-annual Bring It, Don't Bin It campaign, which is organised by the University´s Accommodation and Campus Services and the Union of Students, aims to encourage students and staff to think about themselves as consumers and the way they recycle, as well as benefiting two charities. When leaving their accommodation, students are asked to donate any unwanted items of clothing and furniture which is then donated to local charities.
This year, clothes were donated to the SIFE St Luke's Project for fashion students from local Sheffield colleges to re-fashion ready for sale in the St Luke's Shop. The new range, entitled 'Caged Roses' consists of vintage style tunics, dresses, tops and skirts and is set to become a permanent feature in the shop.
Sheffield SIFE is a society, based at the University of Sheffield, which through both social and commercial projects, aims to harness students entrepreneurial and volunteering spirit to make a difference in the Sheffield community and around the world.
The Bring It, Don't Bin It campaign, which saved a total of 320KG from landfill this year, also donated items such as duvets, pillows, crockery and pans to the Conversation Club - a charity which supports local asylum seekers and refugees.
A member of the Conversation Club said: "This act of kindness from the students at the University goes a long way in brightening up the days of vulnerable people."
Laura Munliafu, one of the Coordinators of the SIFE St Luke's Project, said: "Besides impacting positively on the environment we are looking to get University students more involved with the local community through working with the SIFE St Luke's project. The shops revenue provides 6% of the money required to run St. Luke's Hospice which provides specialist care to about 1500 patients every year. We are very grateful for the clothing donation from the students, as it will help provide us with more stock to create fantastic new outfits for our clothing line for the boutique section."
Claire Monk, Activities Officer at the Union of Students, said: "We have been delighted with the positive response we have had from students, which has amounted to a record amount of unwanted items being donated. We have an economic, social and environmental duty to prevent these items from being wasted, and the students´ innovative ideas for what to do with these items has not only prevented this, but also benefitted two worthy local causes." For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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