Have you any unused outdoor gear gathering dust at the back of the wardrobe?
Gift Your Gear organisers are urging enthusiasts not to throw it out, but put it to good use to encourage young people into the countryside.
With the slogan born to be worn, not stitched to be ditched, the scheme is asking outdoor fans to check their cupboards, garages, attics and other nooks and crannies to see if they have any unused or unwanted, good-quality clothing and equipment that can be reused by community groups.
Gift Your Gear was set up by Sarah Howcroft, co-founder of the Rohan chain of shops, and the retailer is offering 15 per cent off its products to anyone taking in gear during March.
The Rohan company was founded in 1972 and opened its first shop in Long Preston in the Yorkshire Dales just over a decade later.
The Yorkshire Dales Society is backing the Gift Your Gear appeal. The society organises events, walks and talks and campaigns to protect the Dales landscape, as well as providing the Sunday Dalesbus service.
Sarah Howcroft said: “Young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, need to get outdoors for their physical and emotional wellbeing.
“But the sun doesn’t always shine, especially in the Dales. It’s hard for them to enjoy the experience if they are cold, wet and uncomfortable. They need warm protective clothing but it doesn’t have to be brand new.
“I am sure that members of the Yorkshire Dales Society and other local people will have unwanted gear stashed in their wardrobes, attics and garages.
“We can accept all outdoor clothing of any brand in any size: waterproofs, fleeces, outdoor trousers, insulated jackets, hats, gloves and scarves. Walking boots and shoes and technical sandals are also welcome if in good condition.
“As a thank you people will receive a 15 per cent money-off voucher to use on the day they donate at a Rohan shop.”
Jon Avison, chairman designate of the Yorkshire Dales Society, said: “Rohan Long Preston is a business member of the Yorkshire Dales Society and we are delighted to work with them to support the Gift Your Gear scheme.
“On Wednesday 26 March we will host a special event at the Long Preston shop.
“Society trustees and volunteers will be on hand to thank people donating outdoor gear and hand out information about our events and campaigns. You can also bring outdoor clothing and boots to our next public event at Buckden on Saturday 15 March and we will hand these on to Gift Your Gear.”
Marti Harrison, manager of the Rohan Long Preston shop, said: “Gift Your Gear has had a massive impact on many local organisations throughout the country and it’s amazing how much support we get from our customers and the local community.
“A big thank-you to the Yorkshire Dales Society from the team in Long Preston and we look forward to welcoming you on 26 March.”
More details of the scheme are on the Gift Your Gear website.
Ann Shadrake, Yorkshire Dales Society
05 March 2014Many thanks to Grough for sharing this story - we really appreciate it! We'd love to see lots of Grough readers at our Long Preston event on Wednesday 26 March - you'll be warmly received and thanked!
TH
05 March 2014It would get a better response if you could take ANY item to a Rohan shop. For example, why should I pay to post a rucksack I want to donate. Rohan shops only take clothing.
Jon B
05 March 2014TH it is my understanding from speaking to the Yorkshire Dales Society that you can take ANY outdoor items to ANY Rohan shop. It does not have to be clothing or Rohan clothing. Sounds like an excellent scheme to me. I will certainly be sending some items.
Ann, Yorkshire Dales Society
05 March 2014Just to add to that comment, there is a list on the Gift Your Gear website about which items can be donated and it is most outdoor gear - clothing, boots etc. However some bulky items like camping gear and rucksacks are not usually accepted due to space etc. You could always donate to a local charity shop or outdoor group perhaps?
If you live near the Dales, then Rohan Long Preston will be able to take rucksacks and day sacks at our donation day on Weds 26 March, and may be able to at other times if you check with them first. Hope that helps!.
Gift Your Gear
05 March 2014Hi Everyone.
The Gift Your Gear event partnered with Rohan is very centred round outdoor clothing. That's all outdoor clothing including children's sizes.
As Ann mentioned Rohan Long Preston will take back rucksacks and boots on Yorkshire Dales Society donation day 26th March.
Gift Your Gear will take all camping gear boots rucksacks sleeping bags ski's you name it by post to the depot in Manchester.
We are working on expanding our donation network all the time.
If anyone has a problem contact Gift Your Gear anytime I am sure we can sort something out
http://giftyourgear.com/contact-gift-your-gear/
TH contact us please we will help.