ChristmasshoppingatOxfam
AS a cash strapped college student and a lowly paid cub reporter back in the lean years of the early ‘eighties, I satisfied my love of books by hunting in charity shops, building up a library which I otherwise couldn’t have afforded.
Back then, I never had much luck with second hand clothes, or vintage, as they’re now known as the era of throwaway fashion had yet to arrive. All that changed in recent years however, when with an offspring at college, I decided it was time to hunt the shelves of local charity shops for books once more. Inspired by all the blog and Instagram posts about the wonderful vintage finds which were to be discovered in thrift shops, I began to cast my eye beyond the book shelves.
Soon, I found myself picking up brand new high end fashion items, often with the labels still attached. I once kitted myself out for a wedding in a beautiful designer outfit - a brand new dress, bag and scarf, all sourced from charity shops.
Oxfam in Dundalk has yielded a few of my favourite finds. An original watercolour painting by local artist Ernest McDowell, whose work I admired as a young reporter but couldn’t afford; Wedgewood cups and saucers; a hardback copy of ‘ The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady’ which is no longer in print.
Shopping in charity shops is beneficial on several fronts. It’s easy on the pocket, it’s helping charities do valuable work, and it’s all part of the growing move towards sustainable and ethical fashion.
Oxfam Ireland has 48 shops throughout the country, and the money raised by these shops Argus reporter Margaret Roddy gets a headstart on her Christmas shopping at Oxfam.
is used by the charity in three ways: emergency responses like the current hunger crisis, longterm development projects that lift people out of poverty, and campaigning that gives a voice to the vulnerable.
Oxfam works in more than 90 countries around the world. Oxfam Ireland development projects include helping women farmers in Rwanda to grow new crops and set up their own co-ops, campaigning against violence on women and girls in Tanzania and ensuring people living with HIV in South Africa are getting the medical care and support they need.
So I was delighted when Oxfam asked me to take their Christmas shopping challenge, with a budget of €30 to buy Christmas gifts, and headed down to their temporary premises in Clanbrassil Street to see what I could get.
AS I’m always a last minute shopper, I was delighted to pick up some very nice Christmas cards for €3, and five sheets wrapping paper for €1. The wrapping paper features patterns by leading Irish designers including John Rocha, Helen Cody and Aideen Bodkin with funds going to The Rose Project, set up by former Irish nurse Mary Donohoe to support 28 community-led AIDS programmes in six East African countries.
There’s a wide range of brand new accessories, jewellery and sunglasses and what’s even better, they’re all half price!
I put together a cosy winter combination of matching poncho, beret, and necklace for €6. The party season is fast approaching so a midnight blue velvet scarf €2, sparkling drop earrings €2.50, and bracelet €2, would be ideal for any of my glamorous friends.
For my wine loving acquaintances, of whom there are many, I spotted a cut glass decanter €9 and four glasses at just €1 each.
There’s a brand new cuddly teddy bear for €5 and if I add in a €5 ‘Unwrapped’ gift card which goes to support Oxfam’s Saving Lives projects in areas hit by disaster, I will come in just over my budget of €30 and have got gifts for five people.
Naturally, in the course of making these purchases, I have spotted lots of other bargains like a pair of vintage brass vases for €8, some Wedgewood cups and saucers for €4, brand new shoes for €8, a cute handbag for €2.50, and a black trench coat for €12, as well as lots of books and DVDs.
The Dundalk shop is holding a special event featuring designer clothing and accessories on Thursday December 7th from 2.15pm.