Three East Lothian charities benefit from money raised at the Big Pick clothing events organised by the Community Payback Work Team.
The Big Pick, an ongoing community driven incentive that offers people the chance to purchase high-quality, gently worn clothing at just £3 per kilogram, has raised over £1000 through a series of successful events held across East Lothian.
The Big Pick events have been hosted by East Lothian’s Community Payback Work Team, supported by Reuse Scotland SCIO, with the aim of reducing clothing poverty, textile waste, and providing a means for individuals to give back to their local communities.
Community Payback Orders are imposed by the court to support a person to address their offending behaviour. Each individual is supported by the Justice Social Work team to complete a series of requirements to facilitate changes in behaviour, and this can often include spending designated time ‘paying back’ to the local community by completing unpaid work activities.
As part of the Big Pick initiative, individuals who are required to complete unpaid work activities have been working on this project by sorting out clothes that are donated to clothes banks, which are then taken to pop up venues throughout East Lothian, giving members of the public the opportunity to buy clothes at significantly discounted rates of £3 per kilo, with shoes and jackets sold separately. The range of clothes on offer is far reaching, with many new or barely worn.
As well as addressing immediate clothing poverty issues, the Big Pick project also supports the Council’s wider environmental agenda by reducing waste, improving outcomes for local communities, and supporting the work of charities by donating all proceeds from the events to local causes.
Since its initial event in June, the Big Pick has hosted a further four events raising over £1000.
Community Payback Work Team manager Gavin Conington was delighted to hand over the raised funds to three identified charities that were selected by the Justice Social Work Team: the Bridges Project in Musselburgh, Lothian Cat Rescue East Lothian and Musselburgh Burgh Primary School’s Nurture Breakfast Club.
The Bridges Project supports young people aged 12 – 25 who face barriers to education, employment, or personal development. Through mentoring and skills-building programs, they help young people develop the confidence and opportunities needed for a brighter future.
Simen Jordsmyr Holm, Fundraising and Communications Manager at the Bridges Project commented, “Thank you very much! What an amazing initiative you are doing with the Big Pick. We are delighted that Bridges Project has been chosen as one of the charities to receive a donation! This support is much appreciated and will make a real difference to the young people we support.”
Similarly, Musselburgh Burgh Primary School’s Nurture Breakfast Club were just as enthusiastic. Head Teacher Jon Doyle responded, “This is lovely news and very much appreciated! Your donation will be extremely valuable to the running of our Nurture Breakfast Club and will be very gratefully received. Thank you.” His message was reiterated by the children attending the club, who sent letters of thanks to the Community Payback Work Team.