The SHIFT Project that helps women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness is a project that is close to many locals’ hearts and each year people come together to give to, and support, the much-anticipated second-hand clothing sale that raises money for the SHIFT Project. This year it will be taking place on 23 May in the Byron Bay Surf Club.
‘Last year we raised $47,000,’ said one of the organisers Leslie Ford.
‘In a time when the pressures of housing and the cost of living are being felt across our region, community initiatives that offer real, practical support are more important than ever. What makes this event remarkable is the way the community rallies behind it. Volunteers collect, sort and prepare high-quality donated clothing, transforming what might otherwise sit unused in wardrobes into a powerful force for change. Shoppers, in turn, know that every purchase carries a deeper purpose.’
You can get involved by donating good quality secondhand clothing that can be can be dropped to Red Ginger in Byron and to Bell and Ford in Bangalow.
‘Events like this remind us that solutions to complex social issues often begin at the community level. A simple act – donating a garment, volunteering a few hours, or buying a pre-loved jacket – can become part of a much larger effort to support women working to rebuild their lives,’ said Leslie.
‘As May approaches, the message is simple: clean out the wardrobe, come along, and be part of something that really matters.’
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