Fashion designer Jeff Banks helps NSPCC & Clothes Aid raise £800,000

15 Jul 2010

The NSPCC and Clothes Aid, with the help of fashion designer Jeff Banks, today (13 July) announced they had smashed their £525,000 fundraising target, raising over £800,000 for the NSPCC.

Jeff Banks’ call on the nation to join the ‘Great British Clothes Clearout’ inspired thousands of people to donate their clothes.

Householders across the UK have donated almost 11,000 tonnes of their second hand clothing to the NSPCC through Clothes Aid’s house-to-house collection service. One-stop collection services to businesses, universities and other organisations have also helped Clothes Aid raise the vital funds for the NSPCC.

Fashion designer, Jeff Banks said: “It’s fantastic news that over £800,000 has been raised for the NSPCC. Most of us have fashion disasters lurking in our cupboards, which lets face it, will never make a comeback. That’s why it was a privilege to launch the NSPCC’s ‘Great British Clothes Clearout!’ We need people to continue recycling their clothes to raise money for this vital charity, as well as help the environment.”

Around two million tonnes of textiles are purchased in the UK every year, of which 60 per cent ends up as waste. Clothes Aid extends the lifespan of garments by diverting them from landfill sites, to be sold in European accession countries.

NSPCC director of fundraising, Paul Amadi said: “Clothes Aid have put in a phenomenal effort to raise over £800,000 in such a short space of time. We know that in this tough economic climate people find it hard to give financially. Recycling your clothes and other textiles is a great alternative way to support the NSPCC.”

Clothes Aid Head of Media, Michael Lomotey said: "Clothes Aid are delighted to have out stripped all expectations in the first year of our partnership with NSPCC, by raising over £800,000 and to contribute to their important work of protecting children. I would like to thank the public who have given so generously and ask them to continue to do so through our house to house clothing collection scheme."

“Recycling your unwanted clothing and diverting from landfill benefits the environment, and is a great way to make a difference in recessionary times".

For more information about the partnership and to see a video of Jeff launching the ‘Great British Clothes Clearout’ visit www.nspcc.org.uk/clothesaid .

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