With just two days to go, donate trendy unused clothes from your wardrobe for community group Hamara Footpath's Second Garage Sale, the proceeds of which will help Mumbai's street kids
With just two days to go, donate trendy unused clothes from your wardrobe for community group Hamara Footpath's Second Garage Sale, the proceeds of which will help Mumbai's street kids
"Donate clothes that you would like to buy," says Shubhangi Sawrup, a 28-year-old journalist and member of Hamara Footpath. This year, the community group's Garage Sale is back with its second edition to be held at Candies, Bandra. 
Hamara Footpath volunteer with the kids
Last year, the first edition received tremendous response, buoyed by which the group went in for a second edition. This group comprises of a bunch of youngsters who spend time with street kids in Churchgate, thrice a week where they educate and teach different skills to Mumbai's street kids.
Causeu00a0and effect
"Last year, in a day and a half, we collected Rs 80,000," adds Rhea Bhumgara, another core group member.
"There were people who returned every few hours to check if we had put up new clothes," she adds. Shubhangi admits that they were very skeptical, initially, of holding a second-hand sale. "We weren't sure if people would want to buy old clothes. But, I was amazed at the response. I ended up buying a few clothes," she adds, with a smile.
Hamara foorpath's garage sale in 2010
Last year, after the clothes were collected, members were in for a rude shock as they began to segregate the piles. Many people had donated torn clothes; some had donated lingerie. "We had to give away a large part to other organisations, because they could not be sold," says Rhea. This year, they intend to discontinue collections by April 23, so there's adequate time for segregation. Hamara Footpath has organised collection centres across the city, where people can drop off their clothes.
Hamara Footpath started about five years back, when Shubhangi would teach a few street kids to draw. Today, it has grown into a community group, with seven dedicated members, a full-time employee and many volunteers. They get together every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at a garden near Fashion Street and teach the kids drawing, colouring and Math. "We have also started dance therapy for the kids to improve their concentration. Besides, the kids enjoy dancing," says Anuja Sanghavi, a group member.
"We have also enrolled a few kids into school. Each kid has a different problem and when we are constantly in touch with them, we are able to address each one individually," adds Anuja. This year, Hamara Footpath is hoping for a big stockpile and even bigger numbers to support the sale. "If not better, we have to match up to last year's success," summarises Rhea.
On April 29 and April 30
At Candies, near Learners Academy, Bandra (W).
Call 9829268184
Log on to https://www.facebook.com/hamarafootpath (for collection centre details)
Email hamarafootpath@gmail.com
Brand Value
This year, a few stores and designers have also come forward to donate clothes for the sale. Designers Divya Anand, Swapnil Shinde, stylist Varsha Chandanani and clothes store, Mesh in Bandra are contributing for the sale. In a bid to attract more people, live gigs have been planned across the two days of the sale; Aazin Pinter from Something Relevant is one of those who will perform live
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