Clear our your wardrobe in aid of Oxfam

Actress Kate Ford launched the fundraising campaign at Marks and Spencers in Manchester this morning (Wednesday 8 Septembdr 2010)

Marks & Spencer (M&S) in Rochdale, has joined stores from across the UK taking part in the first ever ‘One Day Wardrobe Clearout’ today (8 September 2010) in aid of Oxfam.

The event aims to raise £1 million for Oxfam and help reduce the amount of clothing sent to landfill.

The ‘One Day Wardrobe Clearout’ initiative was regionally launched at the Market Street store in Manchester by Coronation Street actress, Kate Ford, who made the first donation when the store opened at 9am.

For one day only, the successful M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange was reversed and customers were encouraged to bring unused and unwanted clothing to M&S stores, including M&S Rochdale. Anyone donating M&S labelled clothing received a £5 money-off voucher to spend in store.

The initiative is part of M&S’ involvement in HRH Prince of Wales START campaign, designed to help consumers make a start in leading a more sustainable lifestyle.

M&S research reveals Brits could benefit from a wardrobe detox ahead of the Autumn/Winter season, as 92 per cent admit they cling on to clothing they never wear. In fact the average British wardrobe contains an item purchased in 1996 – the year of ‘Cool Britannia’ and Spice Girls style stacked trainers - with one in ten admitting they still own clothes bought in the 1970s.

Kate Ford, who kicked off the event by making the first donation at the M&S Manchester Market Street store, said: “As we are moving into Autumn and the colder weather this is a great opportunity to clear out your wardrobe and make space for the new season’s fashions whilst helping to benefit a great cause.

“We all hang on to clothes that don’t fit or are no longer in style and I have had a good rummage in my wardrobe for items to donate that could be re-sold in Oxfam.”