Regent’s University students in Blue Cross charity shop window takeover
Over the Easter period, the windows of two Blue Cross charity shops in Greater London will be showcasing the design skills of students at Regent’s University’s Fashion Styling and Photography course in a bid to increase footfall and raise interest in the stores donated goods.
The students split into two groups to design the windows of the Teddington and Weybridge shops. They were tasked with using the items already donated to the stores to create a Spring and Tea Party themed window display that is inviting and will attract more customers into the shop.
Lisa Conner, Blue Cross Shop Manager, Teddington, said: “We’re so happy to have had Regent’s University dress our shop window. They’ve all volunteered to do this in their own time; it’s really wonderful to see that they are so enthusiastic to contribute to helping all our animals. It’s a great opportunity for us to raise awareness of not just what we do as a charity, but to showcase all the lovely items that people donate so generously.”
The charity shops, which altogether take in more than £4.7m a year, rely on donations from the public to be able to sell the goods and raise money for the sick, injured and homeless pets in the care of Blue Cross.
Last year, these two shops generated almost £200k, which was 14% up versus the previous year.
Regent’s University and Blue Cross have worked together in the past when students put together a catwalk using the clothes donated to the shops.
Darhen Davey, Course Leader Fashion Design, Regent’s University said: “We are thrilled to be able to work with Blue Cross again and it’s charity shops. It’s a great way for our students to unleash their creativity whilst keeping their minds focused on the needs of the charity from a business point of view. Hopefully, our students will be able to utilise the shop’s donated goods to increase traffic flow, sales and donations to the charity.”
If you also want to help Blue Cross but aren’t near a charity shop, why not raise funds by taking part in the new national fundraising challenge #MyPetMadeMe? The fun online campaign sees pets select a cringeworthy challenge for their owner which they will need to carry out once friends, family and colleagues have helped them to hit their fundraising target. Visit the Blue Cross website to find out more.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
- Hi-res pictures and video available on request.
- Hospital or centre plate
- Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross since 1897. Abandoned or unwanted, ill or injured, pets turn to us for help every year. Our doors are always open to them, and with your support, they always will be.
- Each year, thousands of cats, dogs, small pets and horses turn to our animal hospitals, clinics and rehoming services for treatment and to find them the happy homes they deserve.
- For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk
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