Donation to Dar Hosea with proceeds from the Thrift Shop

The clothes sale from the thrift shop which was held on Campus towards the end of November was a highly successful event with multiple benefits. What started as an initiative promoting Sustainability through the donation of clothes for thrifting purposes, resulted in various achievements and donations.

A cheque for €1,645 was presented to Ms Maria Borg Pellicano, the manager at Dar Hosea. Dar Hosea is an NGO which provides care and support for vulnerable women involved in prostitution.
A packed van of left-over clothes was donated to Inspire.
Another packed van and two car-loads were donated to another Thrift Shop event, the proceeds of which will be distributed to more NGOs including Puttinu Cares Foundation; Europa Donna Malta & Malta Male Cancer Support and RMJ’s Horse Rescue.

The UM thrift shop operated from the KSU Common room on Friday 21 November and from the Library, on Monday 24 November. The success of the event at UM was possible thanks to a great team effort which brought together students and academic and professional staff working in various offices across University. All lent a hand in the run-up to, during and after the event. In particular, thanks must go to:

Ms Isabelle Warrington, from the Office for the Pro-Rector for Strategic Planning and Sustainability for being the lynch pin to organise and oversee the smooth running of the event;
Dr Belinda Gambin from the Institute of Earth Systems and Dr Lorraine Portelli from the Faculty of Education;
Students from the Earth Systems Association as well as students from various entities who came forward to help with sorting and carrying clothes to/from the different venues as well as being at the thrift shop to sell the clothes;
Staff from the Marketing, Communications and Alumni Office, the UM Library and Estates, Facilities, and Capital Development Directorate

Thrift shopping has several environmental benefits including:

Reducing Waste, by keeping textiles and goods out of landfills by extending their lifespan.
Conserving Resources: Decreases the energy, water, and chemicals needed to produce new goods.
Lowering the Carbon Footprint: Less manufacturing and transportation implies fewer emissions.
Promoting the Circular Economy: Encourages reusing items instead of constantly buying new stuff.

Thrifting has Community Benefits since it often supports Funding Causes with proceeds going to vital community initiatives and contributes to Building a Community where the thrift shop acts as a social hub, fostering connection and providing volunteer opportunities.