A NEWQUAY social enterprise is calling on residents undertaking a spring clean to donate any unwanted children’s clothes.
The Clothes Horse in Seymour Avenue is in need of garments for newborns to 16-year-olds that parents and carers can then either swap or leave a cash or card donation.
Chantal Shears, who established The Clothes Horse eight years ago, said: “For many people spring is the time to spring clean our homes, the want to open wide windows, rid ourselves of winter and make way for space.
“For me this also looks like decluttering, taking out anything in my house that is no longer needed and gaining room.
“Since having four boys a large part of this is decluttering clothes that no longer fit and making space for the clothes that will survive the next season.
“It is a time too when I take stock and realise that my children are growing and getting older even as I try to slow down time.
“Although I am sad to see clothes that no longer fit like cute dungarees or cuddly jumpers, I am ready to take stock of clothes needed for the next season and make space.
“As a family we try to be as sustainable as possible.
“Clothes are a big contribution towards climate change with the fashion industry being high in the ranks at harming the environment through how they are made.
“So, we try to buy clothes that are preloved keeping clothes in circulation as long as possible.
“Research has stated that even if clothes last an extra nine months, then intended this radically helps the environment.
“The Clothes Horse was established as a way to keep clothes in circulation.
“Since then, tonnes of clothes have been saved from potentially going to landfill. The Clothes Horse is a place where parents and carers can come and take clothes for their children.
“The Clothes Horse is packed full of quality clothing that are either preloved or donated new.
“There are clothes for newborn to 16 years old. This includes coats, uniform and shoes too.
“There are also maternity clothes available too. There is also a small play area for little ones so that parents can come with their children knowing they can browse and their children will be happy playing.
“The Clothes Horse works through circular economy.
“This is a circular approach to keeping clothes in the community.
“Clothes come to The Clothes Horse through local donations and then sorted so that only clothes in good quality are put on the rails.
“We have volunteers who help in the shop and sort through the clothes donated to us.
“Customers who come to the shop can browse the clothes and leave a cash or card donation for what they take or swap their clothes which they no longer need for the clothes they wish to take.
“The lovely way of shopping like this is knowing that you are doing something good for the environment.
“On many occasions costumers are happy to see their children’s clothes on the rails ready for another family to take home and use.
“The Clothes Horse is trying to change the way that we shop and think about clothes and keeping them in circulation.
“The Clothes Horse is also looking at sewing skills and learning how to prolong the life of clothes that we already have.”
For a guide to prolong the life of clothes visit www.the-clotheshorse.com/3-repairs-freebie