The giving season brings a natural moment to slow down, look around, and think about how we can support others. At VENLA resell+relove, giving back has always been woven into the way we resell and relove clothing. Every rack, every sale, every item that finds a second life carries the potential to support something bigger than a wardrobe refresh.

Our charity racks grew from that idea. They offer a simple, practical way for the VENLA community to contribute to organisations doing meaningful work across Sydney. The model is grounded in the same principles that guide everything at VENLA: sharing, reusing, and strengthening local connections.

How the Charity Rack Works

The charity rack is a dedicated space in selected VENLAresell+relove stores where one hundred percent of sales support partner organisations. Clothing on these racks comes from donations or from sellers who choose to leave some of their items at the end of their rack rental period to charity.  

Once items are priced and displayed, the rack functions like any other: shoppers browse, buy, and take home preloved pieces. The difference is that every dollar goes directly to a local group making a real impact. There are no shortcuts, no middle layers, just a straightforward way to turn clothing into community support.

The charity rack aligns with our commitment to circular fashion. A garment that might have gone unused is rehomed, and the proceeds go to someone who needs them. It is a small action that produces benefits in more than one direction.

Who the Charity Rack Supports

VENLA partners with organisations whose work strengthens communities, supports women, and provides care where it is most needed. Two of our key partners are Northern Beaches Women’s Shelter (NBWS) and Lou’s Place, both of which offer safe, practical, and compassionate support to women facing crisis or hardship.

NBWS provides housing and case management for women who find themselves without a safe place to stay. Lou’s Place offers a daytime refuge where women can find connection, support, and essential services. Both organisations focus on dignity, safety, and long-term empowerment.

Past Success Stories

Charity racks have already made a measurable difference in our stores. Over time, they have raised funds to support frontline services, contributed to seasonal drives, and encouraged sellers and shoppers to think about their wardrobes as tools for good.

Some of the most memorable moments come from customers who rent a rack specifically for charity. They choose their pieces thoughtfully, select labels they know will sell well, and donate all proceeds. In other cases, entire racks fill quickly from community contributions, creating a steady flow of quality clothing that gives purpose beyond resale.

The success is not only financial. Charity racks deepen community engagement in our stores. Conversations spark between customers about the organisations we support, staff share updates on how the funds help, and donors return with more pieces once they see the impact.

These initiatives prove that sustainable fashion can move beyond environmental benefits. It can support social wellbeing and build a stronger sense of shared responsibility.

How You Can Participate

VENLA sellers can leave a few good quality items to our Charity rack after their rack rental ends.  The price of these items is reduced to sell, and full proceeds are donated to our charity partners. 

You can also shop the charity rack. Every purchase contributes directly to NBWS, Lou’s Place, or other partner groups. It is an easy way to choose something beautiful while supporting someone who needs assistance.

No matter how you participate, each action contributes to the wider effort. Clothes are kept in circulation, waste is reduced, and funds flow directly to organisations making a difference.

Why Giving Back Matches VENLA’s Values

Circular fashion and community care sit at the heart of the VENLA model. The charity rack brings these ideas together in a way that is tangible and immediate. Clothing that might have been forgotten becomes part of someone else’s story, and the proceeds help women access support, safety, and stability.

Charity racks also strengthen the simple idea that fashion can connect people. A preloved dress or blazer is not just an item on a hanger. It is a way for a community to share resources, express care, and contribute with ease.

VENLA resell+relove stores often act as small hubs of neighbourhood life. People come in to browse, chat, and check their racks. The charity rack adds another layer to that experience, giving customers a practical way to support others while staying engaged with second-hand fashion.

This is community gifting in its truest form: giving what you can, where you are, in a way that supports both people and the planet.

A Season for Shared Effort

The giving season often prompts people to look for meaningful ways to contribute. At VENLA resell+relove, we see that desire translated into clothing donations, curated racks for charity, and shoppers choosing pieces that support local organisations.

These actions may feel small, but their impact is not. Each item donated or sold becomes part of a longer chain of care. Sustainable fashion gains another advocate, and a local charity receives funds that help maintain essential services.

Giving back does not have to be complex. It can be as simple as sorting your wardrobe and bringing a few pieces into a VENLA resell+relove store.

About the author
Satu Raunola Spencer’s entrepreneurial journey culminated in founding VENLA Resell + Relove, a pioneering rent-a-rack second-hand fashion store in Sydney. Co-founded with fellow Finnish entrepreneur Minna Monaghan as a COVID-era pivot, VENLA brought the Nordic rent-a-rack concept to Sydney, blending innovation with a commitment to sustainability. Satu’s story, rooted in Finnish sisu, is one of resilience and dedication, inspiring more sustainable consumer practices and addressing fashion's environmental challenges.