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We provide Hospice care & support to patients and their loved ones living in Kent and East Sussex. Learn more about how we can help you.
Positive impact
“I have loved second-hand shopping since I was a child, at weekends you’d often find my parents and me at a boot sale or charity shop. My first ever job was working in a charity shop, and I also work in one now. I set up my Instagram page @thecharityshopchick during lockdown to share my second-hand finds and to promote the love of charity shops.
“I love charity shopping because you never know what you will find. It is a real treasure hunt. Not only are you saving items from landfill, but you are also helping to raise money for such good causes.”
Upcycling tips
“For example, I loved the frame I picked up from the Hospice in the Weald charity shop in Heathfield. It looked lovely with the white wood frame, but I knew the sign would be perfect in my downstairs loo. As the frames and mirrors in there are black, I decided that a black frame would work better. A little tester pot and a couple of coats later and the frame has been given a little upcycle, and it fits in perfectly.
“I think sometimes people think upcycling has to be a big furniture item, but it can easily be smaller items too. Whether it’s furniture or something smaller, I would say try to look past the current condition of the item. A little cleaning, sanding and polishing can be enough to transform the item whilst being a great opportunity to play around with colour, change handles, etc, to give it a new lease of life.
Pre-loved gifting
“At one time, there was a bit of a stigma with gifting second-hand, but the charity shops get such lovely items that they are a great place to look. It is amazing how many donated things are still sealed. Most of the items I have bought for Christmas this year are second-hand, and it’s great to know the money is going to such a deserving cause.
“If you can, shop throughout the year. Some shops put out gifts all year round, whereas others store items away for key events during the year, for example, Mother’s Day, Christmas and so on. It is always worth keeping an eye on your charity shops. If you have kids, there are often amazing games and toys at a fraction of the price, some even still sealed. I also like to create little gift baskets or hampers with pre-loved gifts such as a scarf, hat, hand cream or bubble bath. You can often pick up the actual baskets and hampers in charity shops too!
Personal connection
“The stores I visited, Uckfield, Heathfield and Battle, were all full of amazing items, and the staff in each were so lovely and helpful. If I had to narrow down my choices, my favourite items I picked up would be the “Gorgeous” sign I upcycled, the leopard print scarves as they are so pretty and will brighten up any outfit, the still sealed Wasgij puzzle (the perfect Christmas present for my friend) and the Sophie Allport Hedgehog mug as it’s so sweet!
“Hospice in the Weald is a charity close to my family’s heart, as they provided end-of-life care for a family friend of ours, so we have seen firsthand just how important fundraising is. Thank you to all the amazing Hospice in the Weald staff for everything you do.”
