Charity teams revamp hospice shop windows in competition

The Big Basingstoke Charity Style-Off, organised by Better Business for Good CIC (BBfG) in partnership with St Michael’s Hospice, brought together teams of volunteers to refresh window displays at the hospice’s charity shops in Chineham, Brighton Hill and Overton.

The project formed part of Sustainable Fashion Week and began at the hospice’s Donation Centre in Wade Road, where volunteers sorted unsold clothing in preparation for an upcoming Kilo Sale.

After this, teams headed to their assigned shops to price stock and design themed window displays.

In Chineham, the team chose the theme of 'Down to Earth', with rich autumn colours and a scattering of leaves. (Image: Better Business for Good CIC)

Maxine Hart, business development executive at St Michael’s Hospice, said: "Our shops raise 30 per cent of the money that funds our work, so every good-quality donation and every purchase makes a real difference to local patients and families.

"We'd love people to think of us when they have a clear out and to give us things they would be happy to buy themselves."

Each team took a different creative approach to the displays.

In Chineham, BBFG verified members Emma Sly of Greenhouse Graphics, Chloë Pearce of Richard Pearce Wealth Management and BBfG founder Kaia Vincent chose the theme 'Down to Earth,' with rich autumn colours and a scattering of leaves.

Cornerstone Nurseries created a russet-toned display at Brighton Hill, while the Overton team, including Natalie Sweet of Scout & Jem, Mark Jones of Mr Blue Sky Consultancy and Julita Roberts of Metro Bank, opted for 'Every Item Tells A Story,' adding luggage labels to items to inspire customers.

The Cornerstone Nurseries team put their display experience from the nursery setting to good use at Brighton Hill. (Image: Better Business for Good CIC)

Maxine also highlighted the importance of quality donations.

She said the hospice spent £28,000 in one year disposing of broken toys and bric-a-brac that could not be sold - roughly the cost of running all of the hospice's services for two days.

Kaia Vincent, who organised the day with Maxine, said: "Seeing how carefully donations are checked and selected has changed my perception of shopping for clothing in charity shops.

"When we put our window display together, our team created similar outfits that you’d expect to see in higher-end high street shops.

"It’s completely changed how I think about pre-loved shopping in charity shops, and I’m looking forward to my next rummage."

The winning team will be announced at the Better Business for Good Awards during Basingstoke Business Week on Tuesday, November 10.

St Michael’s Hospice offers a variety of corporate volunteering opportunities in Basingstoke, including event support, donation centre help and more.

Businesses interested in getting involved can contact the hospice at fundraising@stmichaelshospice.org.uk or call 01256 848848.