Open Shed met our friends The Clothing Exchange via PlanBig and we are super excited that the second annual National Swap Day (17 October 2011) was another fabulous success!

We are delighted to pronounce this year’s National Swap Day to be a huge success. We had over 250 swappers across 4 states swapping simultaneously to raise the profile of swapping in the place of wasteful shopping. It was a celebration for green fashionistas who enjoyed the social, ecological and economic benefits of reinventing their wardrobes in this way.

Our partners Australian Red Cross had a ball handing out cake and chatting about doing good. There were many donations made to their Karma Bin that will go on to raise money to support the vulnerable communities that Australia Red Cross assist.

We had a fantastic line up of savvy swappers wearing their favourite pre-swapped outfit in return for a free ticket to the event. This gorgeous picture (above) showcases the treasures to be found at the clothing exchange and the smile that comes from a satisfying find. We were also inundated with cameras from keen bloggers, a Channel ten film crew and Triple J Radio so we look forward to these media appearances spreading the swapping word far and wide, long after the night is over.

Big thanks to all of the generous souls who contributed to this event, particularly our sponsors Australian Red Cross, Plan Big, Oxfam & 3things, Fitted for Work, Ethical Clothing Australia, Frankie Magazine, Buro North and all the delightful Clothing Exchange volunteers!

The Clothing Exchange Team

Last swaps for the year:

Melbourne: When: Monday 28th November Where: BMW Edge, Federation Square Time: 6.30pm

Sydney: When: Wednesday 7th of December Where: The Clock Hotel, 470 Crown St, Surry Hills Time: 6.30pm check-in for a 7.30pm swap