Emergence Restock has successfully reached its crowdfunding target, unlocking vital support from the community and key funding partners.
The campaign enables the organisation to move forward with opening a new membership space dedicated to textile reuse, repair and sustainable fashion in Stroud.
The crowdfunding campaign brought together donations from local residents and supporters alongside backing from Ecotricity and the Stroud District Council Climate and Nature Fund. This collective support has provided the foundations needed to establish a physical space where the community can come together to reduce textile waste and rethink how clothing is valued and used.
Emergence Restock has already diverted nearly two tonnes of clothing from landfill through repair, reuse and upcycling initiatives. The new membership space will expand this work by providing a hub for workshops, repair sessions, skill sharing and access to resources for people interested in extending the life of clothing.
The project is also working closely with local charity shops and independent businesses to strengthen circular systems for clothing in the area. Partnerships are developing with local charity retailers including The Door charity shop, helping ensure more garments can be repaired, reused or creatively repurposed rather than discarded.
Several local fashion brands and businesses have also stepped forward to support the initiative with clothing donations. Contributions from Lily and Me, Ecotricity through the Forest Green Rovers community network, Humphries and Begg, and Rasmachaz are helping provide materials that can be repaired, upcycled or redistributed through the project.
To mark the next stage of the initiative, Emergence Restock will host a repair evening this Friday at The Home of Vintage in Stroud. The event will bring together local makers, repair specialists and members of the community for an informal session focused on repairing, altering and extending the life of clothing. Visitors are encouraged to bring along garments that need mending or altering, learn practical repair skills and take part in conversations about circular fashion.
Founder Shalize Nicholas said the crowdfund success demonstrates the strength of community support for practical climate action. “This campaign shows that people want solutions. Clothing waste is one of the biggest environmental challenges, but it is also one of the easiest areas where communities can come together and make a real difference.”
Emergence Restock is also strengthening its leadership as the project grows. Two new directors have recently joined the organisation, well known local community leaders Stella Parkes and Terri Hathaway. Their involvement brings additional experience in community engagement and local partnerships, helping guide the next phase of development for the membership space and wider circular fashion initiatives.
Emergence Restock aims to build a long term model that keeps clothing in use for longer, supports local makers and provides accessible skills that help people repair rather than replace.
For more information, membership details and upcoming events, visit
www.emergencerestock.co.uk
