Event Details

Can SSVP Thrift Stores respond to the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor?

22/03/2024

 “The question which is agitating the world today is a social one. It is a struggle between those who have nothing and those who have too much. It is a violent clash of opulence and poverty which is shaking the ground under our feet. Our duty as Christians is to place ourselves between these two camps to accomplish by love, what justice alone cannot do” – Blessed Frederic Ozanam

In a modern-day clash between opulence and poverty, a dialogue is needed to truly understand how the charity retail sector, the SSVP Thrift Store in particular, can ameliorate the fast fashion business model of excessive production, consumption, and disposal of low-cost clothing, and in so doing, respond more authentically to the cries of both the earth and the poor.

The role of the SSVP within the global clothing industry

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, revenue from the global fashion industry was estimated at between $1.7 trillion and $2.5 trillion (Euromonitor and McKinsey) with the sector also employing over 75 million people (solidaritycentre.org). It will surprise some people to know that the SSVP is a global player in that sector with an estimated network of over 1,600 thrift shops globally, primarily across North America (USA 550, Canada 100), Australia (633), Ireland (230), New Zealand (60+) and England & Wales (50).  Thanks to changing consumer behaviour, led by climate activists, ethical shoppers, bargain hunters and vintage collectors, second hand clothing or thrifting as it has become known, is delivering exponential growth globally, with 2027 revenue expected to pass $351 billion dollars (statista.com).

SSVP Thrift Store – So much more than a charity shop

The staff and volunteers who work in our charity shops and indeed those who frequent them as customers or donors, understand their true value as:

  • A source of affordable clothing & household items located at the heart of the communities who need them most.
  • An ethical and sustainable shopping alternative
  • A brand ambassador for SSVP and a gateway to our services
  • A community hub for people disconnected from society through poverty or other circumstances creating isolation.
  • A welcoming environment for asylum seekers and refugees who can volunteer and make a meaningful contribution to the community they hope to settle in.
  • An invaluable community asset that affords all local people the opportunity to volunteer their time or donate preloved clothing or household items.
  • A vital fundraiser for SSVP Conferences and Councils

However, a recent study, completed by the Charity Retail Association in the UK, also identified that for every £1 invested in charity shops, £7.35 of social value is generated, creating an additional £75.3 billion pounds sterling of social value across the UK in 2022. This is in addition to over €900 million of income annually across the UK for parent charities.