Doing some spring cleaning? Still on a Konmari mission? These are the best places to give your unwanted (but still wearable) clothing a second life in Hong Kong, while supporting sustainable fashion initiatives or providing basic needs to the city's less fortunate
Hula
This designer consignment store was founded by Sarah Fung, who buys and sells pre-loved (but still mint condition) designer items out of her beautiful Wong Chuk Hang showroom—from Chanel handbags to Balmain blazers and everything in between. They offer a handy 'butler' service, where someone comes to collect your item, help you price it, photograph it and upload it to the site. It's a great way to refresh your seasonal wardrobe, make a little cash on the side and do your part in one of the most wasteful industries in the world.
Find out more at thehula.com
See also: Sarah Fung: How To Shop Sustainably
H&M
The fast fashion giant launched its global in-store recycling initiative in 2013, allowing customers to drop off clothing items (shoes and accessories included) to marked bins in its stores around the word. H&M partnered with I:CO, which in turn sifts through the donations—some items will be re-worn as secondhand pieces, while others will be repurposed or recycled into textile fibres. In Hong Kong specifically, recycled textiles are donated to local projects like The Hong Kong Research Institute of Textiles and Apparel to create sustainable fashion solutions.
Find a Hong Kong H&M store here
Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth
This government organisation was founded in 1970 to provide support and resources to improve the lives of Hong Kong's handicapped young people. They accept second hand clothing, toys, books and stationary, which can be dropped off at their headquarters in Wong Tai Sin.
Hong Kong Federation of Handicapped Youth, G/F, 16-21 Wan Kee House, Wang Tau Hom Estate, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon, +852 2388 5111; hkfhy.org.hk
See also: The Ultimate Guide To Living A Zero Waste Life In Hong Kong
Po Leung Kuk
One of Hong Kong's most recognised and respected charities, Po Leung Kuk works hard to provide support to the city's orphaned children, elderly and low-income families. To help provide basic needs to its community, you can donate all of your unwanted wearable clothes, as well as electrical appliances, computers, stationary, toys, books, household accessories and cookware.
Po Leung Kuk, 66 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2277 8888; poleungkuk.org.hk
Castaways Charity Shop
Located within St. John's Cathedral in Central, this store collects and sells clothing, shoes, bags and household linens, and donates all of the profits to local charities. Want to donate more than just material items? You can also donate your time. Volunteers are welcome to help in the shop and to sort donations on Wednesday mornings.
Find out more at stjohnscathedral.org.hk
See also: Hong Kong Restaurants, Brands And Events Supporting Australian Bushfire Relief
Caritas
Want to give your second hand goods to those seeking a second chance at life? Caritas collects unwanted wearable clothing for its outreach programmes, which supports those classified under the "3 L's"—the last, the least, and the lost. This includes troubled youth, those battling with addiction or mental illness, victims of childhood trauma and others in need of hope and encouragement.
Caritas Community Centre, 2/F, Caritas House, 2-8 Caine Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, +852 2843 4652; caritas.org.hk
Mother's Choice
All mothers know how quickly babies and toddlers grow out of their clothes, and how quickly they need to refill their wardrobe with new pieces that will fit them—this is a major source of stress for single or low-income mothers. Hong Kong-based charity Mother's Choice helps to collect and distribute good condition baby clothing (and other items) for babies awaiting permanent homes and mothers facing difficult circumstances.
Mother's Choice, 10 Borrett Road, Mid-Levels, Hong Kong, +852 3915 5710; motherschoice.org
See also: Powerful Philanthropy: 5 Ways To Give Back To Your Community In 2020
