A group of super students are learning all about the fashion industry while helping to raise money.

Young people studying Level 3 Fashion Business & Retail at Coleg Cambria have linked up with our retail stores and created a pop-up fashion shop in the college’s busy foyer, full of preloved fashion they discovered at our sorting hub in Oswestry. 

So while raising vital funds for local children and families living with a life-threatening condition, the students will be gaining real world skills in retail, customer service, communication and teamwork.

Student Mariana Gomes, 19, from Shotton outside the pop-up shop

£1,000 target

Course tutor, Angela Reese explained: “To fulfil the Visual Merchandising and Global Community Challenge of the course, we decided to pick the issue of Fast Fashion and create a project to help overcome it.

“We were welcomed to Hope House’s Oswestry store to select items of nearly new clothing to display and sell in our store which will be open for two weeks.

“The students have set up contactless payment, and 23 of them will be running the store in 90 minute shifts to cover all the opening hours.

“We have set ourselves a target of raising £1,000 and hope the teaching staff will get involved as well as the pupils.”

Mutual benefit

Fundraiser for the hospices, Nicky Eyes, said: “Fashion is a passion of mine, so I was delighted to work with the college and our retail team to assist in setting this fantastic initiative up.

“It’s brilliant when we can work collaboratively with outside organisations to a mutually beneficial end.

“I hope the store is a great success and that the students all gain valuable new skills for their bright futures.”

Students select the items for sale at our Oswestry store

Link-up

Lindy Welch-Smart, Retail Operations and Trading Manager for Hope Hose Ty Gobaith was more than happy to assist and commented: “Tackling the global issue of Fast Fashion is something Hope House’s retail operation is very proud of.

“As well as raising money to help children and families, we are committed to giving new life to pre-loved clothing and homewares.

“It’s a great initiative Coleg Cambria are running and we are very grateful for their support.

“All the best to the students and staff there for a fantastic learning experience and total raised.”

Volunteer at our sorting hubs