Business
Social enterprise is giving ladies much-needed quality clothing By Andrew Diprose The idea is simple but brilliant. Work closely with women’s charities and local community organisations to provide garments to women in need of clothing support. But not any old item stuffed into a black plastic sack. Instead clothing is laundered, folded and beautifully presented in drawstring bags, lovingly handmade on the premises in Cranborne using upcycled fabric. Each gift bag personally tailored to the recipient’s size, style preference and clothing need. And containing 15-18 items together with a lavender heart and an inspirational message. The Wardrobe Foundation was launched as a not for profit social enterprise by Eloise Grant, 24, and her mum, Lisa, last year. Stuart Grant, Eloise’s dad, looks after the finances and admin. Originally operating out of the attic of the family home in Cranborne it soon became apparent that they were fulfilling a clear need. Now, 12 months later, the Wardrobe Foundation has ten committed volunteers, provided 180 gift bags containing 4,500 items of clothing and is using a dedicated work unit in Cranborne. It has worked with 25 charities and organisations, to date. The whole ethos is on sustainability and recycling. Eloise, who graduated with a distinction after completing a Master’s degree in strategic sustainable business at the University of Stirling, said the response to the Wardrobe Foundation had far exceeded expectations. She said: “I really didn’t expect things to take off in the way they have but it’s been absolutely brilliant. Our idea to provide clothing support in a way that is both dignified and sustainable 78
“Our idea to provide clothing support in a way that’s dignified & sustainable has blossomed..” Eloise Grant, right, and her mum Lisa of the Wardrobe Foundation.
has blossomed into a wonderful organisation that we are very, very proud of. But we could not have achieved what we have in such a short amount of time without the brilliant support, encouragement, donations and response that have come from the community that we are so lucky to live and work in. “At Wardrobe Foundation we make it our mission to use every item of clothing that arrives through our doors. “Clothing that is unsuitable for gifting or resale we love turning into something special. “Our clothing gift bags and lavender hearts are two items that we make regularly.” The latest initiative is an outreach project called the Golden Rail. A clothes rail of laundered garments suitable for older women living in care homes. The first recipient of a Golden
Rail was Ferndown Manor Care Home. Volunteer Amanda Reuben made the initial connection with the Wardrobe Foundation team selecting clothing, scarves and shoes for the rail. They were then ironed, steamed and thoroughly checked over to make sure each item was delivered in perfect condition. A total of six ‘Golden Rails’ have now been delivered to care homes across the area. Eloise said: “The average age of the women receiving our clothes is between 25 and 45. It means we are left with beautiful clothes that are more suited to women in their 70s and above. “We thought there must be a need for such garments in care homes where the residents may be reliant on family and friends to afford them. “No matter how old, we know that women love shopping and
Andrew Diprose is the founder and editor of dorsetbiznews.co.uk, the No.1 business website in the county with more than 27,000 unique users. Andrew will be supplying the NBV with business news each fortnight, as well as our sister publication the New Stour & Avon. looking for clothes. But this time, they are free. The response has been incredible.” The Wardrobe Foundation is now working with up to 13 care homes. It has also provided a ‘Summer Dress Rail’ allowing women supported by the organisation involved to choose their own dresses and highsummer items. Eloise said the social enterprise was now concentrating on building awareness and reaching more charities and organisations. She added: “I am proud of what we’ve done and how far we’ve come. It’s been fascinating and I’ve learned so much, especially with the website and social media. From the donations of clothing we’ve received to the response from the charities and organisations and the women who’ve received clothes, it’s been quite overwhelming. “I’d like to say a huge thank you to our exceptional team of volunteers. “Also, all the charities that have gone above and beyond in supporting the women they work with as well as everyone who has donated clothing. “It’s been absolutely amazing.” Wardrobe Foundation accepts women’s clothing in every size. However, in line with current Covid-19 guidelines, it has paused donation collections for now. All donations are left for 72 hours before processing. wardrobefoundation.co.uk
