They might be under stress or in a hurry to make it to their 08:45 class, but they never let UCR’s rushed environment influence their style! I’m talking about Nienke Wind, Nadia Comencia, Amée Zoutberg, Maryna Parfenchuk and Naomi de Vries, who have organized an event for us to see coming week that is both exciting and charitable. The second hand charity shop named ‘Talent’ here in Middelburg (Nieuwstraat 11) approached these women with the idea of collaborating with UCR students. And these five women knew exactly what to do: organize a charity fashion show! In an exclusive interview with Naomi, I asked her some questions about the background and goals of their project.
Being one of us, Naomi knows how much students love cheap clothing. However, there is much more to this event than a love for cheap clothing, as Naomi explains: “the shop has donated a total of 15 outfits to be sold at the event, and all the money raised will be donated to a good cause. The charity that we are working with is called Jongerenopvang Zeeland. They make sure that foster families that host children between the ages of 12 and 18 are given more opportunities and means to take loving care of these teenagers. Some things they do for example is providing beds and sofas for the homes of these families, so that they can create a good space for the children.” So wait, this means that we can buy new clothes that are not just cool and cheap, but that our money also goes straight to this wonderful organization? Ladies and gentlemen, you will never have a better excuse to go shopping.
So what kind of fashion items will be shown? Naomi explains that it will be everyday items such as sweaters, pants and skirts. “Generally the clothes are donated by other people in Middelburg who no longer make use of them, as is usually the case with thrift shop clothing. However, all the clothing here is checked to validate a good quality.” During the fashion show, all items will be priced between the range of just 2.50 euros and 20 euros (that’s as far as my budget goes, to be honest). Everything that does not get sold will be donated to other charities that in their turn need clothing. I call this event a win-win. Another cool thing is that all models walking the outfits will be UCR students.
I wondered whether the show also has a deeper message than just helping a charity in itself. It definitely has, according to Naomi: “we should start being more aware of our consumption. Second hand shopping is not only good for our wallets, but it’s also good for the environment, because essentially you are recycling! Furthermore, it is also good for other people, as usually nonprofit shops such as Talent also donate all their profits to helping others both locally as well as internationally.”
The group is really excited about the way this collaboration between two local organizations has worked out. It is great to see how they set a wonderful example for the integration of UCR and Middelburg. So, go and check it out everyone! Both UCR students and Middelburg locals are welcome, Wednesday November 9, 20:00, in the Elliott basement.
Gerjanne Hoek, Class of 2018, is a Linguistics, Politics and History major from Bunschoten-Spakenburg, the Netherlands.
