Your designer wardrobe is in the bag

NZ Top Model Brigette Thomas hopes to encourage young people into their local hospice stores. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Hospice stores are calling on people to "give it up" to raise funds for hospice services.

The Give It Up campaign's first phase starts on Monday and asks people to donate used designer clothing to be resold at hospice stores around New Zealand.

Thousands of black bags will be distributed to workplaces in the next two weeks encouraging workers to donate top label clothing, jewellery, handbags and accessories. People can also drop off clothing to a nearby hospice shop.

The second phase of the campaign begins on November 21, when people will be invited to head to their local hospice store to grab a bargain.

Fronting Give It Up is New Zealand's Next Top Model, Brigette Thomas, who said she was happy to be the face of such a cause because she had always been a huge fan of op shops, particularly the hospice store in her hometown of Motueka.

"It's definitely where I buy most of my clothes all the time in Mot. They had the best stuff and it was always fun bargain hunting with my sister when we were teenagers."

Looking down at her black-and-white polka-dot dress, she said: "I think I got this at an op shop. There's nothing wrong with pre-loved clothes. I love finding great stuff there.

"It's a way of helping out a good cause and getting something for yourself as well."

Thomas will also be supported by singer Gin Wigmore, whose own family experiences with the hospice has motivated her to get involved.

Thomas said she hoped that her contribution as the face for the campaign would see more young people heading into their nearest hospice store.

"I just want to convince the younger people that it's cool to shop here. You can get some top designer stuff for a really cheap price," she said.

All money raised will go to hospices around New Zealand to help in services offered such as medical and nursing care, rehabilitation and bereavement care.

To make an instant donation, go to www.hospice.org.nz
On the web

www.giveitup.co.nz