Clothes ‘to die for’ could help save a child – Gordon Flynn starts clothing charity website
Charity website wants to sell your old designer outfits in the fight against world poverty
Published: 18 June 2010
by RÓISÍN GADELRAB
A CHARITY worker has launched an appeal to label-loving fashionistas to dig out their unwanted designer goods and help save a child’s life.
Gordon Flynn, who lives near Essex Road, has started a charity designer website where he collects top condition unwanted clothes, shoes and accessories – and then sells them at bargain prices, donating the proceeds (minus costs) to child poverty charity Worldvision.
Mr Flynn, who has worked in the fashion business for years, was a TV costume designer before moving to New York, where he worked with a variety of different designers.
He said: “I noticed every year they used to do some sort of recycle thing where they would donate unwanted coats and other things to charity recycle bins.
“I thought it was great idea and wanted to take it to the next level – to sell to people who can’t really afford to go to places like Bond Street and Harvey Nichols.
“It’s amazing how many people have these things at the back of the closet. It’s a great way of giving everyday people a chance to buy something beautiful at a fraction of the cost, and help a great cause as well.”
He added: “Donating one thing could raise £5 and that could save a child for four days – it could go towards making a child’s life better. I’ve given up everything to make this work.”
Now, Mr Flynn, who has lived in Islington for the past 15 years, has saved up enough money to be self-sufficient while he gets his enterprise off the ground.
He said: “Before I started, I sent out a few emails and put something out on the freecycle website.
“I was surprised the residents of Islington were so helpful.
“I’ve been sent a lot of things – from Jimmy Choo to Prada. I’ve had a £4,000 Balenciaga bag, which I sold for £150.
“I’m buying in a lot of stock as well. I try and buy in the cheapest of the best quality designer goods and sell them at prices we can all afford.
“Everything goes to charity. The only thing that’s taken out is the cost of and flyers and things. You could pick up a Versace dress for £10.”
“Fashion has been my life for years,” he added. “I’m asking all the residents of Islington to have a look in the back of their closets. Even if it’s just one dress or suit, drop me an email and I’ll happily come round and pick it up.
“The little things we don‘t wear anymore could keep a child alive.”
• Anyone who wants to donate clothes, shoes or accessories can contact Gordon Flynn on 07891995618 or email: info@thisliloldthing.com
Alternatively, check out the website www.thisliloldthing.com