Charity: Alliance MLA Kate donates dress worn in Belfast mayoral portrait

FORMER Mayor Kate Nicholl has donated her mayoral dress, which features in her official portrait in Belfast City Hall, in support of the British Heart Foundation (BHF).

Ahead of Earth Day on April 22, the South Belfast MLA is encouraging people to ‘donate one thing this spring’ and think second-hand first.

The charity has launched its ‘Reuse Revolution’ campaign to encourage people here to donate and shop at their local BHF store and online via its ebay site to help fund lifesaving research for the 225,000 people in Northern Ireland currently living with heart and circulatory conditions.

By discovering preloved fashion, people will also be doing their bit to save the planet, as every year the BHF saves more than 56,000 tonnes of goods from going to waste.

Kate chose to donate her mayoral dress, which has significant meaning as it features in her official portrait in Belfast City Hall, from her tenure as Lord Mayor of Belfast in 2021-2022.

Kate said: “I’m delighted to be supporting the British Heart Foundation to encourage people to donate and shop sustainably. I’ve been buying preloved clothes from charity shops since I was a teenager and I love to find unique items that no one else has, for a bargain price.

“I want to encourage everyone to join the Reuse Revolution and consider both donating and checking out what’s on offer at BHF shops across Northern Ireland and online.

“The simple act of shopping can help the planet and raise money for a fantastic cause.”

Jill Coiley, BHF Belfast shop manager, said: “We’re delighted that Kate has joined our Reuse Revolution in shopping preloved fashion and has chosen the BHF Belfast store to donate her beautiful mayoral dress, as well as picking up a few new items in-store for her spring wardrobe and homeware.

“Second-hand shouldn’t come second. Our message for the local community is please don’t discard preloved items, but donate them to your local store. In many areas you can arrange for a free home collection, if you can’t get to the shop, or post them to us for free”.

For more information visit www.bhf.org.uk/shop/reuse-revolution-2024