Hundreds of bargain hunters were on the doorstep on the Byron Bay Surf Club on Satuday, waiting for the doors to open on the annual S.H.I.F.T Project clothing sale.
Oganisers say that the event has yet again broken a record owing to the generosity of shoppers and the overwhelming support from volunteers.
Photo Tree Faerie.
The sale history
In 2019 Bell & Ford organised a secondhand clothing fundraising sale, raising over $4,000 with all proceeds going to The S.H.I.F.T Project. In 2020 they raised over $11,000 – things have steadily grown and in 2024 the sale raised $42,000 and last year, $47,000.
This year they sold $50,200 worth of clothes and accessories – once the expenses have been taken out, that is going to leave a lot of financial support for S.H.I.F.T.
Incredible local volunteers
Co-organiser Leslie Ford, from Red Ginger and Bell & Ford, said the sale is only possible because of the incredible local volunteers. ‘Every bag sorted, rack filled, and sale table organised is thanks to people who generously give their time – volunteers are the heart of this community event and make the whole operation run smoothly.’
Ms Ford said the sale not only raises vital support for the work of The S.H.I.F.T Project but it also helps keep clothing circulating sustainably within the community. ‘We are deeply grateful for the huge army of helpers who show up, pitch in, and make such a positive difference.’
Co-founder of S.H.I.F.T, Julie Wells, said that both the event and the support are truly wonderful. ‘Annette, Leslie, Linda and their amazing group of volunteers spend an entire year gathering clothes for the biggest sale ever.
‘We at S.H.I.F.T are deeply grateful as it is our biggest community fundraiser of the year.’
Ms Ford and co-organiser Annette Campbell make sure that nothing goes to waste after the event. ‘We have lots of items left at the end of the day which goes to op-shops. We do not keep anything.
‘Annette and I feel it a great privilege to be able to do this.’
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