In a world where the gap between the privileged and less fortunate can often feel overwhelming, it is
the collective efforts of compassionate individuals that can bridge this divide. On Monday, April 8th,
2024, Colgar embarked on a cloth bank outreach in Offa, Kwara State, driven by a desire to bring
comfort and joy to those in need. However, this outreach goes beyond immediate charity, it also
addresses the broader goal of promoting sustainability and responsible consumption, as outlined in
United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.
A cloth bank is a system or organization that collects, sorts, and redistributes gently used or new
clothing to individuals and communities in need. It is also a response to a deeper, more pressing global
challenge: the environmental impact of clothing production and waste. While clothing banks have long
served as a way to support underprivileged communities, they now play an even more critical role in
addressing sustainability goals, particularly SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production which
aims to promote sustainable use of resources and reduce waste.
Our journey began with a clear vision: to provide Eid al-fitr clothes to underprivileged families,
ensuring they could celebrate the festival with dignity and joy. We initiated this outreach by designing
and distributing flyers across hostels at the University of Ilorin. These flyers were not just
announcements; they were calls to action, inviting students and staff to contribute gently used clothing
that would otherwise go to waste. By encouraging donations of gently used clothing, we are not only
providing for those in need but also taking a stand against the environmental impact of textile waste.
Each piece of clothing donated will help reduce waste and support the concept of reuse, contributing
to more sustainable production patterns.
To facilitate this, we placed collection baskets in the hostels, making it easy for donors to drop off their
contributions. After a week of gathering clothes, we moved on to the dry-cleaning phase to ensure that
each garment was fresh and pristine for the recipients. We then collaborated with Abiade Dire, a
dedicated volunteer who expertly handled the tie-dye process, adding a vibrant touch to each garment.
The clothes were then sorted by gender and size, ensuring that each item would find its way to the right
recipient. With the clothes ready, we moved to the packaging phase, creating custom bags that were
designed specifically for this outreach, which not only served practical purpose but symbolized the
care and effort behind the initiative.
Our mission to touch lives began at Offa, where we started by visiting the King’s Palace. We sought
the King’s blessing and support for our mission, and his warm reception and advice were invaluable.
This endorsement not only validated our efforts but also strengthened our connection with the local
community. From the palace, we proceeded to the streets of Offa, where we identified children in need
of clothing. Distributing the well packaged clothes to these children was a deeply moving experience.
The smiles and expressions of gratitude we encountered were a poignant reminder of the impact of our
efforts. We captured these moments with photographs, preserving the joy and relief on the faces of the
recipients.
The success of this clothing drive was not a solitary achievement; it was a collective effort made
possible through partnerships and collaboration. In line with Sustainable Development Goal 17:
Partnerships for the Goals, our initiative exemplified the importance of working together to address
local challenges. SDG 17 emphasizes that no single entity can achieve the Sustainable Development
Goals on its own. Our collaboration with volunteers, local leaders, donors, and the Offa community is
a testament to the power of these partnerships. By joining hands, we were able to extend our reach and
make a far greater impact than we could have alone.
As we reflect on this rewarding experience, we are inspired to continue our efforts and build on this
momentum. Each small act of kindness contributes to a larger movement of positive change, and we
are committed to fostering this spirit of giving and community support.
We at Colgar sincerely thank everyone who played a part in this event. Your support and dedication
are deeply appreciated. If this outreach has inspired you, we encourage you to engage in similar
initiatives or start one in your own community. Together, we can make a profound difference in the
lives of those around us.
