ByA Charity Spokesperson, All Aboard
2 min read
ByA Charity Spokesperson, All Aboard
To quote the famous lyrics, “Love is all around me, I feel it in my clothes…” OK, not quite (apologies, Wet Wet Wet), but it’s certainly the spirit at All Aboard charity shops when donations of new and pre-loved goods arrive through the doors. Love begins with the generous hearts of the charity’s donors. Every bag of clothing, every piece of homeware, every box of books entrusted to All Aboard carries with it the potential to transform lives.
The shops floors burst with donations of ready-to-wear and vintage clothing, homeware, bric-à-brac, electronics and collectables, with the joy felt by customers having a rummage and discovering these hidden gems shared by them on social media.
Hundreds of unique items to fall in love with.[Missing Credit]
These items fill the shops’ rails and shelves, ready to be loved anew by someone else and, in doing so, they play a pivotal role in the charity’s mission. By selling these goods, All Aboard generates crucial funds to support more than 70 UK charities, both within the Jewish community and beyond. Whether it’s aiding organisations that tackle health and wellbeing challenges, funding services for infants to centenarians, or supporting education and environmental initiatives, each donation contributes to All Aboard’s mission – “It’s all about the charities we support.”
In a service that differentiates itself from many other retail-based charities, All Aboard offers a free donation collection service from home or work – and donors frequently comment how much they love this facility too.
Behind the scenes, love is equally evident among All Aboard’s team of over 300 dedicated staff and volunteers. Its high street shops are melting pots of diverse individuals, united by a shared mission: to make a difference. From retirees looking to give back to their community to young people gaining work experience and building confidence, every person contributes to the greater good.
The camaraderie and mutual respect within the team are palpable, and it’s this positive atmosphere that makes All Aboard’s shops more than just places to shop – they’re community hubs that continue to support these localities year after year.
If you’re passionate about sustainability, there’s even more to love. At a time when environmental concerns are at the forefront of public consciousness, All Aboard is proud to be part of the solution. In 2024 alone, All Aboard saved over 350 tonnes of non-saleable clothing and other recyclable materials from going to landfill. This commitment to reducing waste and promoting a circular economy resonates with environmentally conscious donors and shoppers alike. By choosing to shop or donate with All Aboard, donors actively contribute to a greener planet, a powerful act of love for future generations.
And then there’s Gift Aid, a simple yet impactful way to make your love go even further. Many donors still don’t realise that if they’re UK taxpayers, they can sign a Gift Aid declaration, allowing All Aboard to reclaim 25p of tax for every £1 their donations sell for. This additional funding makes a significant difference, enabling All Aboard to support more charities and extend its impact. So, whether you’re clearing out your wardrobe or downsizing your home, don’t forget to Gift Aid your donations. It’s a small gesture with big results – what’s not to love?
Of course, shopping at All Aboard is an act of love in itself. Each purchase is a chance to give a new lease of life to a once-loved item. Imagine the satisfaction of finding a brand-new dress, complete with its original tags, or uncovering a vintage watch that’s been waiting to be wound and worn.
Whether you’re shopping for yourself or hunting for a thoughtful gift, each of the charity’s 22 shops is a treasure trove of unique finds. And the best part? Every purchase directly supports All Aboard’s charitable mission, turning your retail therapy into not just an activity to love, but to something much more meaningful.
For all the latest news and updates, follow All Aboard Charity Shops on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
020 8381 1717
Registered charity 1125462