Thirsk church kids' catwalk models sustainable fashion
published on 31 Mar 2025
A sustainable fashion show saw children model the fabulous range of outfits on offer at Thirsk Salvation Army’s Kids Community Wardrobe.
Children were urged to take to the runway wearing something bought from the Community Wardrobe, which offers good quality second hand clothing for as little as 50p to help families who want to be more environmentally friendly and save money.
The event, held at St James Green Methodist Church earlier this month, marked the four-year anniversary of the Kids Community Wardrobe, which was set up by Majors Paula and Ian Haylett, who lead the church and charity’s North Yorkshire Pioneer in Thirsk.
Major Paula said: “This was a fantastic event to celebrate four years of Kids Community Wardrobe, to thank everyone for their support and to showcase some of the sustainable fashion we have on offer.
“The children all had their moment on the catwalk, some posing, some dancing to the funky music, and one even doing cartwheels! The kids enjoyed it so much they requested another go and encouraged even more children, parents and volunteers to get involved.
“We ended it with some information about Kids Wardrobe and our values, some thanks, and then hotdogs all round.
“All participants were also given a packet of wildflower seeds with encouragement to continue to Care for Creation, which is one of The Salvation Army’s values that we embody through recycling clothing to stop it going to landfill.
“We have been overwhelmed by the community support for Kids Community Wardrobe over the last four years. We know a lot of our customers support the ethos of reusing and recycling, and the people of Thirsk and surrounding villages are very generous with their donations which in turn helps to support The Salvation Army’s work in the area so thank you.”
The next Kids Community Wardrobe event will take place on Saturday 12 April between 10am and 11.30am.
The proceeds from the Kids Community Wardrobe go towards supporting The Salvation Army’s work in Thirsk. They also always keep a stock of clothes back so that they can donate them for free to families in crisis.
The Community Wardrobe is part of a Salvation Army Fresh Expression where Paula and Ian work within the community and from their home responding to community need rather than from a traditional Salvation Army building. For more information search for The Salvation Army – Thirsk on Facebook.
