Preloved Fashion Takes Center Stage in Carndonagh This Saturday

A unique preloved fashion pop-up event will take place in Carndonagh on Saturday, November 29, 2023, at the Carndonagh Garden Centre. The event, known as Shopping Spraoi, aims to promote sustainable shopping practices by showcasing affordable, second-hand clothing. Running from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, the pop-up seeks to encourage attendees to reduce waste during the festive season.

The event is funded by the ChangeMakers Donegal Seeds of Change Grant through the Inishowen Development Partnership. It partners with several organizations, including Donegal ETB, Self Help Africa, Trócaire, and Concern Worldwide, with support from Irish Aid.

Empowering Local Action for Global Change

Project Coordinator Caoimhe Doherty emphasizes the importance of connecting local initiatives in Donegal with broader global efforts to combat the challenges posed by fast fashion and climate change. The event promises visitors a variety of quality preloved clothing, along with opportunities to swap items and attend demonstrations on repair and upcycling techniques.

Doherty underscores that Shopping Spraoi offers a low-cost, practical way for young people and families to refresh their wardrobes. “The focus is on community learning and positive change,” she stated. “Shopping Spraoi helps people make small, practical changes that reduce waste. It shows that sustainable fashion is easy, affordable, and fun.”

She also noted that events like this support global citizenship goals. “Fast fashion is a global problem, but local action matters. By swapping clothes, we cut waste and build awareness in our community,” she added.

A Hub for Sustainability and Community Engagement

Everyone is invited to attend the pop-up event, whether they are interested in swapping, shopping, or exploring sustainable fashion options for the first time. This initiative is part of the Spraoi agus Spórt circular economy hub, Síoraí, which focuses on reducing waste and promoting the longevity of materials and products. The hub encourages practices such as sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling.

The developing hub currently houses Síoraí Clothing and Accessories and Síoraí Home, which offers revamped preloved furniture. For additional information about the event or the circular economy hub, interested individuals can visit www.spraoiagussport.ie/siorai or follow Spraoi agus Spórt on social media.

As the festive season approaches, initiatives like Shopping Spraoi offer practical solutions to the environmental challenges posed by consumer habits, making sustainability accessible and engaging for the community.