Unfortunately, for many charities their usual forms of raising money were disrupted due to the current crisis. Although many fundraising outlets had to shut, people are still being creative and finding new ways to raise money. There are still ways you can support some amazing causes from home and we've put together a list of some great online charity shops that are still open for business.
"We work to protect men, women and children wherever justice, freedom, truth and dignity are denied." Amnesty international.
Amnesty International work in collaboration with New Internationalist to offer the online Amnesty shop. All profits from this goes towards supporting the invaluable work Amnesty International undertakes. The products they stock all follow their ethical buying policy, offering a great variety of organic, fair trade, recycled, educational and eco friendly options. You can find anything from clothing to homeware, sweet treats or great books to keep you entertained!
Image from Amnesty
"Our mission is to dismantle poverty by creating opportunity, through self-help, social trading and business solutions." The Big Issue
Many of the vendors from the Big Issue have not been able to go out and sell due to lockdown, because of this the Big Issue has now made their magazine available online, so you can still buy your weekly copy and support those working for them - and enjoy the weekly content!
Another way you can help support is over at their online shop! With their focus being on stocking brands that put people and planet first, they make ethical shopping accessible across a wide variety of categories. Available are some amazing prints from their 'Street Art' collection created by members of the Big Issue, providing them with an outlet for creative expression. There are also some lovely hamper sets available which can be a perfect way to send someone you love a little treat.
Image from The Big Issue
"We help anyone, anywhere in the UK and around the world, get the support they need if crisis strikes. From hiring a wheelchair or dealing with loneliness, to adjusting to life in a new country - we’re there when you need us." The British Red Cross
Available on their online shop is an amazing collection they've developed in collaboration with 11 UK based artists, all with the up lifting hope filled message that 'Kindness will keep us together'. You can also shop the 'Designed by refugees' collection which was developed during art therapy workshops that The Brithsh Red Cross ran. Both collections have a variety of products including mugs, prints, organic cotton tea towels, totes bags and much more. All proceeds from these collections goes towards supporting the continued work the British Red Cross carries out.
"Re-Fashion helps charities that can't open a shop raise money from donated clothes." Re-Fashion
If you've been missing rummaging through racks of clothes in a charity shop to find that second hand treat, then look no further! Re-Fashion is a reinvented way of charity shop shopping as it's all online. Donations are made by post - you just have to request a bag - and then everything is uploaded online ready for you to shop. Some of the charities they are working in partnership with to support are CoppaFeel!, Make-A-Wish® UK, my AFK, Women's Aid and Breast Cancer Now; you can choose which one you'd like to donate to at the check out.
Image from Re-Fashion
"In the UK and around the world we make sure children are safe and healthy. We support them to learn, grow and become who they want to be." Save the Children
Shop their Vintage section which has got some of their top picks from donations they've received and 100% of the profits go to the charity. Or have a look at their hand selected sustainable living and gift products all sourced from ethical producers. This includes a bespoke Save the Children Chilly's water bottle, illustrated with hand drawn pictures created by children who have survived conflict.
Image from Save the Children