The Uniform Swap came as an idea from the “Rhannu Stwff a Trwsio” (Sharing Stuff + Repairing) which grew out of GwyrddNi’s Community Assemblies on the Climate in Bro Ffestiniog. The group is committed to reducing waste and supporting the community to live sustainably in Bro Ffestiniog.
A Uniform Swap offers a simple but impactful solution: families can exchange school uniforms and ensure that clothes find new homes rather than end up in landfill. Not only does this help reduce waste, but it also gives families the chance to save money on school uniforms.
The doors were set to open between 11am to 2pm, but by 5 to 11, keen families had started to pour in. Anyone could take a uniform – not only those who had donated; and it was clear from the sea of happy faces that many appreciated the opportunity to save money and help the planet at the same time!
If the uniforms weren’t quite the right size, volunteers from Ffiws were on hand with sewing machines to make alterations.
Nina, Bro Ffestiniog’s Facilitator, says:
“When we share things, it creates a stronger community and creates stronger connections between people, people feel like their community helps them, that the school feels like a family. It creates positive feelings about where we live.”
Another Uniform Swap will take place next Saturday (27th) in Trawsfynydd. Meanwhile, Partneriaeth Ogwen (in Dyffryn Ogwen) and Yr Orsaf (in Dyffryn Nantlle) are busy organising opportunities to swap school uniforms, too, in collaboration with GwyrddNi.
We believe that small steps can lead to big changes, and this initiative is a step towards a more sustainable and supportive community.
For more information or to volunteer, contact Nina@Cwmnibro.cymru, or join the Rhannu Stwff a Trwsio Bro Ffestiniog group if you’re in the area and have WhatsApp: link here