Archive for the ‘Charity’ Category
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012

Sustainable Table has the runs. And no, it wasn’t a veggie curry gone bad. The organisation is hosting a program of charity marathon events this year in an effort to raise money for their Kenyan Compost Toilet project. Why? Well, heartbreakingly, lack of sanitation is still the single largest cause of illness in the world, claiming the lives of some 4,900 children every day. Compost toilets can do wonders in turning this statistic around – and at the same time, also turn human waste into nutrient-rich organic fertiliser so communities can grow their own food naturally. It’s a win-win. To get involved, sign up to participate in either the Great Ocean Road Run (May 19-20) or Run Melbourne (July 15), or sponsor someone doing the legwork for you. Distances are flexible to accommodate all fitness levels and Sustainable Table ethical hampers are on offer if you need incentive to get your friends involved too. So, in the words Sustainable Table themselves, sign up, shoes on, and let’s all look forward to getting the runs together.
Posted by tess curran in Charity, Events, Global Village | No Comments »
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
As a child, I fondly remember being taught to finish my peas and carrots. “While you just want to skip to the chocolate pudding,” my parents told me, “there are children in Africa who don’t get to eat all day.” But now, if we want to use the powers of eating for good, it seems the aim of the game is not to finish our plates. In fact, it’s not to start with a full plate at all. Halfsies, launching soon in Texas and New York City, partners with local restaurants to offer a very different dining experience. A special selection of menu items will undergo the Halfsies treatment – the customer still pays full price, but only receive a half portion of the original meal. 90% of the money saved on superfluous food production (did you know that around half of the food produced in the US is thrown away?) will be donated to hunger-busting and nutrition-improving initiatives globally, including feeding orphans at the Baby Watoto home for abandoned children in Uganda. Who knew half as much food could be twice as satisfying?
Posted by Emily Lush in Charity, Food | 1 Comment »
Thursday, January 12th, 2012

A souvenir t-shirt can be a great way to commemorate a special time in your life. There are certain things I would rather not remember, however – like in 1998 when I was a huge Hanson fan, or 2006 when I drank Dr Pepper constantly (my teeth are still suffering). Truth is, I have vacu-packs full of tees that, despite their sentimental value, I really wouldn’t object to parting with. Luckily then, Brisbane’s Stitchery Collective have just launched a T Shirt Drive to put all our unwanted tees to much better use. Travelling to Venice to represent Australia at the Third Annual International Kids Festival, old shirts will be used in children’s upcycling workshops to create winter woolies like scarves, beanies and ponchos. Donations can be any size, colour or material, plain or printed, collared or v-neck – any shirt is a good shirt! Deliver or post your contribution by January 31st to their studio at 1/57 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley QLD 4006, or visit The Stitchery website for more details. (And while you’re there, why not check out their awesome range of workshops, classes and events – including the new Life Drawing with Clothes On?). {Image from here}.
Posted by Emily Lush in Charity, Events | No Comments »
Thursday, January 5th, 2012

Australian clothing label SOSUME have paired with The Black Dog Institute to raise funds and promote awareness of depression by selling an exclusive designer charity tee. The Black Dog Tee is made from their signature micro modal jersey, which is super soft, sustainable and hard-wearing. All profits will go towards the institute, and SOSUME hope to raise over $10,000. To get behind it and nab a rockin’ tee, purchase them online via their website.
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Charity, Fashion | No Comments »
Sunday, December 18th, 2011

There is always someone who is impossible to buy for. Oxfam Unwrapped has one solution – buy them a pile of poo. Or maybe a buffalo, some fruit trees, a canoe or even a rice bank; there is something for every price range, and the best part is: your donation goes to those in need, you have Christmas gifts covered, and both you and your recipient feel filled with good karma. It’s a win-win situation. Both World Vision and WSPA also run similar programs this time of year, so think beyond the socks and jocks and give a gift that keeps on giving…
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Charity, Holidays | 1 Comment »
Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

Did someone say those three magic words: pre-loved, designer and charity? Because these five handmade necklaces made from recycled materials and being auctioned off for the Vinnies ‘Think Outside The Jewellery Box’ promotion tick all the right boxes. College of Fine Arts student Sophia Davison has created an impressive collection to highlight the beauty found in pre-loved jewellery. The range is 95% recycled and uses materials from Vinnies such as broken chains, brooches, jewels, beads and even an ornamental plate. Pieces are being auctioned off on eBay to raise money for the Vinnies Christmas Appeal, closing on December 19th. Perfect for your New Years Eve party outfit…
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Accessories, Charity | 1 Comment »
Friday, December 2nd, 2011

Carpets for Communities‘ fundraising event, Spinning Dreams, kicks-off this Friday. A documentary film which follows nine young cyclists as they travel across Indo-China to raise awareness for sustainable livelihood and development will be screened in seven cities around Australia and South East Asia between the 9th and 11th of December. You can head to the Carpets for Communities website to find out more about this campaign and buy a ticket for your local film night.
Posted by Emily Lush in Charity | No Comments »
Friday, October 21st, 2011

Each year a number of brands support National Breast Cancer Month by donating a percentage of their sales, but before you put your money where you heart is, just make sure that the products themselves are safe for your health, and the environment. Donating directly is one way to ensure your money is going to such an important cause, without supporting any unnecessary nasties. Or try and support companies with green credentials and natural products. Our pink picks? Members of BrisStyle have teamed up with Chicks In Pink and are donating a percentage of their profits on a selection of pink hand-made wares sold online to raise money for the cause. On top of the online shopping fundraiser, the BrisStyle Markets will be joining Chicks In Pink on Sunday the 23rd October rd at Eagle Farm Racecourse for their very pink breakfast, brunch and fashion parade. Go along and support the charity organisation helping those affected by breast cancer at Brisbane’s Mater Hospital. Another favourite is Nature’s Baby Organics, natural and organic skincare for bubs and mums, who donate to breast cancer charities year round.
Posted by Daniela Sunde-Brown in Charity, Events | 1 Comment »
Monday, October 17th, 2011

Ethics and eco-friendliness don’t typically go hand-in-hand with mass-market fashion. Rules of thumb are made to be broken, however, and ASOS are certainly challenging our preconceptions. The UK-based online giant has just launched an Australian store, which means less time waiting by the mailbox for your latest purchase to arrive. We thought we would take a look at their social and environmental policies and check out the substance behind the glamour.
(more…)
Posted by Emily Lush in Accessories, Charity, Fashion | 2 Comments »
Friday, October 14th, 2011

October has rolled around again and Oxfam’s annual Exchange for Change, a month-long campaign dedicated to raising ethical fashion awareness, is well underway. Part of the 3things initiative which encourages young people to take small steps toward a fairer and healthier planet, Exchange is all about swapping clothes and learning more about labour rights and environmental sustainability in the fashion industry. You can get involved by attending your local Clothing Exchange clothes swap, held simultaneously in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Canberra on Monday October 17. This year the swap comes to you as well, with a free DIY event kit available for download from their website. Get sorting that wardrobe now!
Posted by Emily Lush in Charity, Events, Fashion | 1 Comment »