Milton Keynes shoppers urged not to buy any new clothes this 'Second Hand September'
People all over MK are urged to honour Second-Hand Setember and not buy any new clothes.
Instead, they are being encouraged by Oxfam to check out their local chrity shops instead – and be pleasantly surprised at what they find for bargain prices.
Staff at the Milton Keynes Oxfam are hoping it will be one of the busiest times of the year for local shoppers and also donations.
Workers and volunteers at the shop in Stony Stratford are asking people to consider donating anything they haven’t worn for the past year, and to pop in for a pre-loved browse.
Manager Angie Thomas, said: “There’s so much choice when it comes to second-hand shopping now, but you still can’t beat going into a charity shop and having a good browse. You might go in looking for one thing and come out with something completely different. That’s part of the fun.
“Charity shops like ours help give clothes a second life and are an important way of tackling fast fashion. We depend on the local community to keep our shelves full, so we’re always grateful to everyone who donates and shops with us. We’d love to see some new faces this September.”
Actor Richard E. Grant will be appearing on Oxfam posters in shops across the UK this September as he encourages people across the region to discover original second-hand style, give garments a longer life and make their fashion choices count.
He said: ‘I’m supporting Second Hand September because we’ve already got too much of everything. Reusing and upcycling clothing - second hand, vintage, call it what you like – is an amazing, worthwhile cause. Original style isn't about buying more. It's about finding pieces with a story, keeping them for as long as you can, and passing them on for someone else to discover.’
Rachel Cosgrove-Pearce, Oxfam’s Head of Retail Operations, said: “Oxfam is the original Second Hand retailer. We’ve been selling quality pre-loved fashion since 1947 and that success is down to people supporting our local shops. Every donation makes a difference, and while we’re grateful for the fantastic support we receive throughout the year, September is a particularly important time for our shops. We’re looking for plenty of good-quality clothes to help keep the rails full and give local shoppers a great choice of pre-loved fashion.
“Second Hand September is a brilliant reminder that small changes can have a big impact. By donating clothes you no longer wear or choosing to shop second hand, you’re helping to reduce textile waste, support Oxfam’s work and do something positive for the planet.
“If you’re in Milton Keynes we’d love to welcome you into your local Oxfam shop—whether you’re visiting for the first time or you’re already a regular. And if you’ve been meaning to clear out your wardrobe, there’s no better time to pass on those quality items and help make a difference.”
Find out more about Second Hand September here.
There are Oxfam shops in Stony Stratford High Street, Newport Pagnell High Street, Stanley Court, Olney, (books and music shop), and a donations centre at Garamonde Drive on Wymbush.