Sometimes, rebuilding a life starts with something as simple as a warm coat or sturdy shoes, according to Rachael Bews, the visionary founder of a groundbreaking charity.
Meet ALICAS
ALICAS is a heartfelt initiative by Bews, who speaks from her own experience as a survivor of domestic violence.
This organization tackles the stigma attached to clothing shortages while empowering women facing crises across the UK.
When women are forced to leave their homes due to physical or sexual violence, they often find themselves with very few belongings.
Many rely on donations to help them start again.
However, Bews points out a significant concern: too often, the clothing donations are unsuitable, unwashed, or lack the tenderness needed to restore the women’s dignity.
This can deeply affect their self-esteem.
A Pivotal Moment
A pivotal moment for Bews occurred when she spoke with a woman named Ali.
Ali shared how owning a quality coat and a good pair of shoes played a crucial role in her recovery journey.
This revelation struck a chord with Bews, prompting her to act after witnessing the inadequate state of clothing donations in shelters.
Fueled by a desire for change, Bews founded ALICAS to elevate the quality and care associated with clothing assistance.
The organization recently launched a successful pilot program, providing 100 tailored clothing parcels through 14 partner organizations.
Impressively, they also diverted over 2,000 garments from landfills.
These meticulously assembled “capsule wardrobes” cater to each woman’s individual size, style, and cultural or religious needs, utilizing only donated or secondhand clothing.
Collaboration for Sustainability
Bews is now calling on fashion brands to step up and join the mission of reducing clothing waste.
She emphasizes the importance of preventing perfectly wearable items from ending up in the trash, asserting that ALICAS presents a sustainable and impactful solution.
She’s encouraging fashion companies to collaborate with the charity by donating their surplus inventory for meaningful initiatives that create lasting change.
At ALICAS, every piece of clothing serves a purpose, offering not just a new home but also the chance for women to rebuild their strength and embrace a renewed sense of hope in reclaiming their lives.
Source: Positive