Do you have some walking boots that haven’t been walking in ages, a waterproof jacket that hasn’t seen a drop of rain for years or a fleece longing to keep someone warm and cosy?
Gift your Gear
The UK outdoor clothing company, Rohan, are currently running their biannual, award-winning nationwide initiative, Gift your Gear, asking everyone to donate their outdoor clothing and equipment that they no longer need or want. Simply drop it into your local Rohan shop anytime during March (or September) and they will ensure it is put to good use, by passing it on to community organisations, youth groups and charities working with young people in the outdoors. What a great idea!
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The campaign’s founder, Sarah Howcroft (one of the original founders of Rohan) says “Most outdoor gear will last much longer than we need it to, its full potential is never realised. The outdoor gear you donate will make a real difference to the community organisations, youth groups and charities who receive it”.
Save 15% on Rohan clothing
As an added bonus, Rohan is offering a 15% discount off any full price purchase made in store, at the time of your donation.
I’ve only relatively recently started wearing clothing by Rohan when I travel, and I’m seriously impressed. On a recent trip to Rodrigues Island in the Indian Ocean (can’t wait to tell you all about it) I found both their crease-resistant, quick-drying t-shirt with a UPV protection factor of 40+ (affiliate link) and their ultra lightweight waterproof Elite Jacket (affiliate link) pictured below, which folded up and fitted in my handbag, invaluable. Respectively, they protected me from the hot sun and the rain showers that often fall on this tropical island.
How Gift Your Gear works
When can you donate?
Anytime during shop opening hours throughout March. If you miss this date, the initiative is biannual, running every March and September.
Where can you donate?
At any Rohan store in the UK. Visit Rohan’s ShopFinder to locate your nearest branch.
If you live outside the UK why not write to a similar company based in the country you live in, asking them to start a similar scheme.
What can you donate?
Any usable outdoor clothing, regardless of the brand, from waterproof jackets to walking trousers or fleeces will be accepted.
What happens to the donated gear?
All outdoor clothing and equipment donated to Gift Your Gear that is reusable and fit for purpose is offered to an approved Gift Your Gear community organisation, youth group or charity.
Rohan has been running this initiative since 2012. To date, Gift Your Gear has donated over 90,000 items to more than 1,000 such organisations helping young and disadvantaged people across the UK enjoy the benefits of an outdoor environment.
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This is such a great idea. I have a few bits and pieces that I don’t wear anymore so I’ll be dropping them into my nearest store.
That’s great Suzanne. Thank you.
Rohan is an admiral business model, and I’ve heard great things about how long their gear lasts! We are in the process of downsizing and have been cleaning out closets and donating. It feels great and of course pays it forward to someone less fortunate. We have several organizations in the Boston area with this kind of focus as well.
I’ve heard that too that their gear lasts a very long time. Good to know similar schemes are running elsewhere.
this is a fantastic idea! I am sure I have loads of stuff lying around that I probably won’t use again. I will check this out!
Yes, please, dig it out and pass it on!
Love this idea, it proves that companies can run a successful business and still have a positive impact on communities. Rohan items are really well-designed, too!
I won’t disagree with you there! I’m hoping people reading this blog from other countries will encourage companies there to do likewise.
What a great idea! I’m on a bit of a decluttering spree at the moment and have definitely got more coats then I’m likely to ever wear so will see if I can give them a new home.
That’s great Lucy. I must do the same!
It’s a good idea … but, sadly, I tend to wear outdoor gear until it’s good only for the duster box. Some stuff, I’ve had since Maggie was PM … and I still use it!
You’ve obviously bought stuff made to last. I’ve bought cheap items in the past that should have gone in the duster box when they were new!