A preloved fashion market is set to take over popular outdoor venue Trademarket for a charity pop-up event.
Local Business advisory firm, BDO NI has partnered with the street food and retail market in aid of NI Chest, Heart and Stroke (NICHS) to bring a unique fashion market event to the Linen Quarter.
The market, which takes place on April 28 has seen a number of local businesses signing up to take part, including East Belfast-based vintage clothes shop American Madness who will donate some of their pre-loved denim to the market.
Read more: New charity arts event set to support local talent and marginalised communities
Organisers are encouraging people to use their Spring clean to find their preloved quality designer fashion a new home. On the day, a special auction of some standout pieces donated by local style icons and well-known faces will also take place.
This initiative is being managed by BDO NI Trainee Laura Wright with support from her colleagues in the Audit Department and mentor Laura Jackson, Partner.
Talking about the initiative, Laura said: “We thought that the pre-loved concept would be an environmentally conscious approach to fundraising and a great way to promote sustainability in fashion, encouraging people to be mindful of their consumption habits.
"Given the contemporary focus of the media on sustainability, this was an opportunity for BDO NI to support a great cause in a way which promotes this important agenda.
“Across the firm, many of us have wardrobes full of gems that we no longer wear. With all the clothing received, we have been able to organise our very own pre-loved market that is open to anyone to come and give these items a new lease of life, while allowing us to give back to our chosen charity.
“We have worked closely with NI Chest Heart and Stroke, Trademarket and Linen Quarter Bid to organise the event, and are proud to be supporting a number of local businesses that were keen to get involved.
"Our objective with the pre-loved market was to create something that would be enjoyable for everyone, so this will be a great social event, even if fashion isn’t your thing. For all the clothes addicts, this will be a fun and eco-friendly way to refresh your wardrobe without breaking the bank.”
Trixie’s Trinkets, a small local business selling customised beaded jewellery will be one of many vendors there on the day, with all proceeds going towards supporting the work of NICHS. In addition, any items not sold will be distributed to local Belfast homeless and refugee charities.
Nadia Duncan, Donor Development Manager at NICHS added: “We are so grateful to BDO NI for their continued support of our work and amazing fundraising efforts which to date have raised an incredible amount of almost £13,000.
"We are really looking forward to this event, which will not only offer a wonderful opportunity for the public to find a fabulous fashion bargain at a charity shop price, but we also hope lots of people will stop by to meet our team and learn more about the work we do supporting the local community from our care services and programmes, to our health promotion programmes for workplaces, schools and community groups, and our support of ground-breaking research at local universities and hospitals.
“If you would like to donate good quality pre-loved items you will receive not only our heartfelt thanks but also a £5 voucher to spend on the day.”
BDO NI announced its three-year partnership with NI Chest, Heart and Stroke in December 2021, with the charity supporting more than 335,000 people living in Northern Ireland with a chest, heart, or stroke condition.
READ NEXT:
NI's largest street event returns with 70 free performances in Belfast
Best NI eateries, hotels and bars crowned at Irish Restaurant Awards
Details as Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival returns with 11 days of events
Full list of Northern Irish restaurants featured in the Michelin Guide 2023
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our What's On newsletter here
