Shop for a cause this festive season by helping charities as you purchase
Who says shopping can’t be altruistic?
This festive season, give a little back to society with every purchase at online store The Fashion Benefit.
Former banker turned social entrepreneur Jane Ong took a sabbatical after seven long years of climbing the corporate ladder. She had decided to take time off to travel and to see the world.
On her travels, seeing the less fortunate in developing countries moved her and spurred her to start TheFashionBenefit.org.
Sweet Charity
“The idea of TheFashionBenefit.org was spurred by the concept that fashion and social giving should not be mutually exclusive,” says Jane.
“With the recent light shed on the dark side of fast fashion, such as the collapse of a Bangladeshi garment factory, it provided substantial conviction for me that there is a need for fashion and social consciousness to be integrated,” she enthuses.
With every purchase made on the website, US$5 will be donated to a charity of their choice, which rotates every six months. At their pop-up event in November, the selected charity was Destiny Rescue, a charity that helps prevent children from being trafficked.
Says Jane, “We want to enable women shoppers who care for a chance to update their wardrobes with exciting labels, some of which are new to this part of the world, while being socially responsible to the environment, and developing societies around us.”
Her passion for her cause is truly moving.
Labels of Love
Jane curates the brands on TheFashionBenefit.org by their social and environmental sustainability.
She specifically looks for values such as fair trade practices and non-exploitation manufacturing. She also looks for those that utilise sustainable fabrics.
Brands currently carried on her website are Ruby Rocks, Edge of Ember, Aijek, House of Wilde and the recently-added Spanish brand SkunkFunk.
The prices of the items range from $15 to $150, which is up to 70 per cent lower than retail prices.
She has also picked her next choice of charity, Project Battambang, which is an initiative by medical students and accompanying doctors who provide health screening, aid and medical scholarships in villages in Cambodia.
Positive Response So Far
Jane is constantly on the lookout for more brands to add to her website to keep things fresh for shoppers.
“Our shoppers have been very happy with the designs and quality of what we bring to them, and definitely see us as a one-stop destination to put together outfits that’s both updated and unique,” says Jane.
“We are grateful for the encouraging response and support from the general public,” she says.
Shop for a good cause this season. Who knows, you might find that perfect ‘It’ dress and help to send a child to school at the same time.
Check out the website to do your part in this season of giving.
Visit www.thefashionbenefit.org for more information and products.
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