‘Suit Amnesty’ resounding success

James Qualtrough | June 6, 2012 | 0 Comments

Generous islanders have donated over 100 unwanted suits to those who need them for critical job interviews, through Hawksford’s month long ‘Suit Amnesty’.

The campaign, which ran throughout the month of May, has seen more than 100 suits donated, many of which are designer brands with the likes of Armani, Christian Dior and Ralph Lauren items hanging in the makeshift Hawksford wardrobe.

Peter Murley, chief executive, Hawksford, said: ‘We are delighted that generous islanders have donated over 100 suits, it is more than we ever imagined we’d receive. They’re all in fantastic condition and there are even some very expensive designer brands hanging in our makeshift clothes closet. This campaign has proved that there are thousands of unwanted suits gathering dust in wardrobes all over Jersey, some of which will now be put to good use.’

The ‘Suit Amnesty’ has been developed to encourage islanders to re-gift outgrown and unwanted suits to disadvantaged and homeless jobseekers, which will in turn help them back into work. Benefitting local charity, The Shelter Trust (www.shelter.org.je), the scheme helps those keen to find work but unable to afford their own professional work wear.

This national campaign ran for the first time in May 2011 and resulted in more than 2,000 unwanted suits being distributed via 22 different charities across the UK. This is the first year that the scheme has been operated in Jersey.

John Hodge, director at The Shelter Trust said: ‘The Suit Amnesty is a fantastic way to recycle unwanted suits to those who can really benefit from them.

‘The suits are perfect for our back to work projects which are all about getting people off the streets and preparing them for working life. Owning a suit makes a massive difference and will help our service users achieve their full potential,’ he added.