A popular Dundee food charity has branched out into clothing, unveiling a new boutique for pre-loved garments.
Gate Church Carbon Saving Project, the group behind the successful West End Community Fridge, are continuing their work to reduce waste and hope people will be able to dress to impress while saving money and reducing global warming.
The wardrobe is fully stocked with good quality clothing, ready for its launch on Saturday and everyone is invited to visit and take what they would like.
It follows the success of the community fridge, which celebrated its first anniversary in July.
The free service continued throughout lockown, with a team of volunteers going out daily to collect food that is perfectly good to eat but was destined to be thrown out by supermarkets or businesses.
On average 80 to 100 people visit the fridge each day, picking up everything from staples such as fruit, veg and pasta, to more luxurious items such as smoked salmon, steak and locally baked bread.
Organisers are hoping for similar success with the wardrobe and have designed it to have a “vintage boutique” feel.
Project co-ordinator Lynsey Penny said: “We want to get rid of any remaining stigma about second-hand clothing.
“The community wardrobe has a huge array of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, as well as accessories and we want as many people as possible to come and take away a new outfit.
“It’s cheaper, better for the planet and a really fun challenge.”
The wardrobe will be open every Friday from 11am until 4pm at the Gate Church on 158 Perth Road, as well as the last Saturday of every month, with the same opening hours.
Clothing donations can also be made on Fridays.
As well as saving people money, it is hoped the project will reduce the amount of clothing going to landfill.
Research from the Waste and Resources Action Programme WRAP, around 30% of clothing in the average UK household has not been worn for at least a year and around 350,000 tonnes of used clothing goes to landfill each year.
Due to social distancing regulations, admission is by ticket only, with one group of up to four adults from two households allowed to enter at a time.
Time slots and more information is available on the Gate Church Carbon Saving Project Facebook page, or on Eventbrite.
