December 2011

Swap Til You Drop

Last Sunday childhood friends Samara Bott & Sophie Grant held their first charity event at the MAZCC - The Big Girly Frock Swap.

Over 30 young women swapped until they dropped giving un-loved clothes and accessories a new airing and a new wardrobe.

The girls' first taste of charity work began when Samara, 25 and Sophie, 28, who are respectively visually and hearing impaired, held a cake sale to raise money for nationwide Deafblind Awareness Week. The event was a huge success raising over £500 for the cause, so when LJWB approached the girls about fundraising for them they jumped at the chance.

Sophie & Samara decided to organise a Frock Swap to raise money for Leeds Jewish Blind Society (LJBS), who also help people with hearing impairments.

"A clothing garment is often only worn a few times and then is simply left hanging in the  wardrobe and as girls ourselves, we are so used to swapping clothes amongst friends so its kind of second nature to us. This gave us the idea for our first official fundraiser," said Sophie.

Over 500 items were received leading up to the event, many with well-known designer labels. The girls gave people 3 tokens in exchange for a minimum of 3 quality items of clothing, accessories or jewellery. They were then able to exchange the tokens at the event for other people's donated items.

Any items that were left will be taken to thewellfairshop, LJWB's charity shop.

Samara said that she and Sophie want to remove the stigma of being visually or hearing impaired. "There is no age barrier with this sort of impairment, it can strike at any age. Its important to know there is help on the doorstep in the form of LJBS. We want to encourage our peers to get involved with helping their local community because they never know when they may need the services of organisations such as LJBS."

The event was opened by Amanda Jacobs. Rachael Harvey & Carolyn Glynn were Guests of Honour and Child Presenters were Isaac Harvey & Eva Glynn.

Over £1600 has been raised so far with all proceeds towards Leeds Jewish Blind Society.

For Further details on LJBS please contact Sara Korn, Disability & Sensory Services Co-Ordinator, on 0113 268 4211