Half of people surveyed in Northern Ireland wear just 50 per cent of the clothes hanging in their wardrobe on a regular basis, fewer than twenty five per cent (24%) wear just a quarter of their wardrobe regularly, while one in ten (10%) have 11 or more items hanging up they have simply never even worn.
But it’s good news for charity shops according to a survey* commissioned by BT to launch BT Shop for Change.
BT Shop for Change is a one day takeover of Marie Curie shops in Northern Ireland, being launched by the leading communications provider to raise crucial funds to provide care and support for local people living with terminal illnesses.
BT is now in its fifth year of raising funds for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland and the Irish Cancer Society in the Republic of Ireland and has raised in excess of £260,000 for the charities to date.
Rory Best, Ireland captain and BT Shop for Change ambassador said: "Unfortunately, many of us know loved ones that have been touched by cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Marie Curie treats local people affected by terminal illness and provides generous support to their friends and family.
"We’ve all got clothes that sit unworn year after year or unwanted items lying about the house that others could enjoy. BT Shop for Change is the perfect excuse to gather everything up and donate it to Marie Curie who can sell it to raise vital funds for the work that they do and I am proud to be an ambassador for this initiative."
More than 100 volunteers from BT will help to run eleven Marie Curie shops across Northern Ireland on Thursday 13th October, 2016 and for every £20 raised Marie Curie can provide one hour of nursing care to local people in need. Simultaneously, BT colleagues in the Republic of Ireland will be taking over Irish Cancer Society shops.
The teams of volunteers will use their corporate skills to promote their shops, encourage shoppers to visit and ultimately to raise as much money as possible for Marie Curie. The charity will use this money to help run and maintain its Belfast Hospice, to deliver nursing care across Northern Ireland and to help more people living with a terminal illness, including cancer.
Peter Russell, Regional Director of BT Business in Northern Ireland, said: “BT is committed to having a positive impact on local communities and good causes in Northern Ireland. We know that cancer and terminal illnesses touch so many lives across Northern Ireland. By donating time, talents and goods, BT employees will make a real and positive difference to the work Marie Curie can do in the coming year. The teams are rolling up their sleeves to make sure we deliver outstanding results on October 13th, so please come along on the day and show your support."
Clayre Sloan, Area Manager, Marie Curie Shops NI said: “We’re delighted that BT is supporting Marie Curie once again with BT Shop for Change. Initiatives like this help us to raise awareness of the direct care and support we give to people with all terminal illness whether that’s cancer or conditions such as motor neurone disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as well as raising vital funds for our work."
For further information about BT Shop for Change and for a list of participating Marie Curie shops in Northern Ireland, please log on to www.btireland.com/ShopforChange and follow all the activity on Twitter @ #BTShopforChange
