By Gemma, 20-Jun-2012 09:59:00
The Suit Amnesty’s second annual campaign has come to a close and we are delighted to report that it has been another massive success.
Across the country we had a whole host of businesses taking part and people have been as generous as ever with their unwanted workwear.
From libraries to theatres and pension companies to banks, all sorts of companies and venues have been championing our cause and acting as drop-off points.
And we’ve been graced by a raft of celeb support too – James Cordon, Ruth Langsford and Kate Walsh have been getting in on the act and helping us to spread the word.
All of which means The Suit Amnesty has been bigger and better than last year and shows what a caring, thoughtful bunch us Brits are.
More than 3,000 suits have been donated (with more still to come), and our partner charities are over the moon, so THANK YOU.
Here are just some of the things those involved in the campaign have been saying:
“We’re delighted to have been involved for the second year running. The suits are really great quality and invaluable for our ‘Back to Work’ scheme – they give people a real confidence boost ahead of an interview.” Penny Roberts, Connection St Martins – London.
“Wow! We have been bowled over by all the fantastic suits. Loads were brand new and we even had designer suits. They will enable us to help a lot of people who are looking for work. Thank you!” Dave Perry, Emmaus – Bristol.
"Our wonderful suits make a big difference to homeless people's ability to get back into work. When they go to interviews, they really look and feel the part." Amanda Croome, Booth Centre Co-ordinator – Manchester.
“Self confidence is very personal - a feeling someone has when they know everything, for them, is just right. We can help our clients prepare in lots of ways for employment and being well presented is a really important part of that.” Val Nevin, Assistant Director at the Cyrenians – Newcastle.
“The Suit Amnesty campaign fits well with our objective to deliver help in the area of employability and we hope to be able to make a real difference to those that need it most.” Mark Menton, assurance director and community affairs leader for PWC North East.
"Suit Amnesty created a real buzz. The quality of the suits donated was impressive and the thought that they are going to such good use has been truly inspiring. Partaking in the campaign also helped raise awareness of The Marketers' Forum even being featured in the Guardian – re-gifting has been rewarding in more ways than one!" Abby Beckley from drop-off point the Marketers Forum – London.
“The suit amnesty was an excellent initiative and we were delighted to take part. We had a fantastic response from the public and generated some strong PR locally, including TV, radio and print. It was great to be able to do something so worthwhile, and it really benefitted our business too.” Rebecca Stannard, Hawksford – Jersey.
As you can see, everyone is delighted with what we have been able to do in just a few short weeks, so a massive thank you to everyone who has been involved in The Suit Amnesty.
See you next year!
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By Gemma, 07-May-2012 19:03:00
Back after the roaring success of last year’s campaign, week one is off to a glowing start.
Over 100 suits have already been donated at our nationwide drop-off points. With collections continuing until the end of May, we’re well on the way to reaching our target of 5,000 suits, which would smash last year’s incredible achievement of 2,000 donations.
At a time of such financial difficulty, it can be tough to give money to charity. Donating an unwanted suit could help someone homeless turn their life around, while helping you with your spring-cleaning!
We’re thrilled to have the support of some of Britain’s favourite celebrities, including James Cordon, Kate Walsh and Ruth Langsford. There’s been a real buzz created on Twitter, so please keep tweeting your comments. The wider word spreads, the better!
Even fashion designer Paul Costelloe has got the giveaway bug, having generously donated a stash of his luxury suits. If he can do it, so can you!
Check out the list of bars, banks, health clubs and hotels taking part all over the UK to find your nearest drop-off point, and head over with your suits as soon as you can. www.thesuitamnesty.co.uk/dropoffpoints
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By Gemma, 24-Apr-2012 08:25:00
Money is tight at the moment. We are all feeling the pinch of the recession and have to budget carefully to make sure we can afford the essentials and the odd luxury.
This is having a big impact not only on our lives, but also on what we do to help others.
Figures from the Institute of Fundraising (IoF) show that 61% of Brits simply cannot afford to give money to charity.
However, Brits remain incredibly altruistic and are actually doing more than ever to help others.
How? Instead of giving cold hard cash, people are now more likely to give up some of their possessions.
Let’s face it, we all have way more stuff than we actually need, and when it comes to clothes most of us have several outfits, handbags or pairs of shoes that haven’t seen the light of day for months or even years.
These factors – the recession and mountain of unwanted workwear – inspired The Suit Amnesty and helped us to create this really quick and easy way of doing something good for people in need without having to spare any cash.
Our figures show that the average person owns three suits, but only two are ever worn.
This means one is unloved and unused and could become a charity donation instead, without putting added pressure on your personal finances.
Really, you have no excuse not to dig out that unwanted suit and bring it to us. This year, it’s even easier to donate thanks to more cities and businesses than ever before taking part.
Check out the list of drop-off points for more details – you’ll find bars, banks, health clubs and hotels up and down the country all getting involved.
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By Gemma, 05-Apr-2012 12:42:00
The Suit Amnesty is nearly here!
With May fast approaching and spring battling through, it’s time to dig out those unwanted, unloved suits hiding at the back of your wardrobe and put them to good use.
This year we want The Suit Amnesty to be bigger and better than before, but with the success of last year’s inaugural campaign that is no easy task.
We already have a whole variety of venues on board, each signing up as a drop-off point to give homeless and disadvantaged people in their area a chance to get into work.
From The Marketers’ Forum in London to The Life Science Centre in Newcastle, and PwC and Ward Hadaway to Malmaison, there are health clubs, hotels, bars, banks and businesses taking part.
We have also extended our reach to the Channel Islands with Hawksford in Jersey getting involved to support the local Shelter Trust.
And as if that wasn’t enough, fashion designer Paul Costelloe is back on board to lend his support and donate some suits.
As he explains, “Presentation really counts when going for a job interview and not owning a suit is a huge barrier. The Suit Amnesty is an innovative way to re-gift clothing which will make a big difference to someone needing a helping hand to get their first step on the career ladder."
Who are we to argue?!
Our beneficiary charities are already looking forward to the wave of support, and as we have upped our target from the 2,000 suits collected last year to a staggering 5,000, they have plenty to get excited about.
Amanda Croome of Manchester’s Booth Centre says the suits can really make a big difference and help people look and feel the part at interviews.
So, now is the time to get involved. Start rummaging through your wardrobes and drawers and put outgrown or out-of-date workwear to good use.
It’s not too late to become a drop-off point either – if your business wants to take part just email info@thesuitamnesty.co.uk.
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By guest, 09-Feb-2012 20:17:00
How an unwanted suit can transform lives
These days, looking good is half the battle when going for a job interview and most of us will spend hours, if not days, before meeting a potential employer trying to decide on the perfect outfit.
We want to look professional and stylish and it’s not unusual for job-seekers to buy a special suit just for the interview.
But if you’re homeless or disadvantaged in some way and simply can’t afford a new outfit, how can you make sure you look the part?
Last year’s Suit Amnesty campaign tackled this issue and has made sure thousands of people have the right attire to back up their talents when entering the world of work.
We called on people across the country to donate their unwanted workwear and received more than 2,000 suits in response.
This incredible generosity even extended to designer items, and celebrities including Gary and Danielle Lineker got involved too.
It has directly helped dozens of people get on to the career ladder, and with 22 charities benefiting from the clothing nationwide there is more good news to come.
The Suit Amnesty is returning this year, launching on May 1st, to build on the success of the 2011 campaign and continue to work with those who are doing all they can to find a job but struggle with their wardrobe.
With research revealing that not owning a suit is one of the biggest barriers to hearing the magic words: “You’re hired”, the campaign is a re-gifting project that makes a real difference to lives, and the economy.
So, why not delve in to the back of your wardrobe and dig out those unwanted suits. They could be the difference between heading to the office or job club for someone in your community.
Suit Amnesty 2012 launches on 1st May.
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