Autism Guernsey holds prom dress thrift sale
A LOCAL charity has been offering prom-goers the opportunity to snap up a bargain after noticing a rise in popularity for thrifting.
Following a successful second-hand prom dress sale for the Grammar School Year 11s last month, Autism Guernsey returned to the school to give its sixth-formers a chance to dress up for their big night at a fraction of the price.
‘We get so many donations for our fashion shows and we saw that people were selling dresses on eBay so we thought it would be a good idea to give it a go ourselves,’ said Autism Guernsey fundraising manager Mandy Rowlinson.
‘The dresses we have for sale range from £10-£25 whereas new ones can cost hundreds.’
Also available at lunch hour sales sessions were shoes, scarves, jewellery and bags.
Sixth former Naomi Kewell said she was happy to be given a choice away from the more expensive brand new options.
‘It’s really good to be able to get a dress for so much cheaper and it’s good to support charity,’ she said.
She also felt shopping pre-loved came with another important pro.
‘It’s a lot better for the environment,’ she said.
Fellow sixth former Elisabeth Gardiner described how popular second-hand clothes had become in her age group.
‘It’s turned into a bit of craze at the moment.
'It also gives you a more unique sense of style,’ she said.
All proceeds of the sale go straight to Autism Guernsey to support the range of services, clubs and social groups it provides for adults and children on the spectrum.
Founded in 2012, its services include cognitive behavioural therapy courses and parenting with autism programmes. It is also organising the 2023 Puffin Parade.
The charity is now going to be running its sales at Blanchelande and St Sampson’s over the coming weeks. It hopes to have all the other high schools involved too.
