In a world where the fashion industry churns out between 80 and 100 billion new garments annually, the issue of clothing waste has become a pressing concern. Gola-Gola Bhutan, a dynamic youth group, has risen to this challenge with a simple yet profound mission: to bridge the gap between those with excess and those without access to basic clothing. Their initiative, in collaboration with SHIFT—a campaign accelerator by Save The Children—epitomises the power of community-driven efforts in making a tangible difference.

Every Saturday, Gola-Gola Bhutan organises clothing collections, a vital part of their multifaceted campaign. Their activities span from donating clothes to rural communities to planting trees on Social Forestry Day. They are also planning a fashion design competition and the launch of the Gola-Gola store in Thimphu to tackle cloth waste head-on.

The act of donating clothes resonates deeply with Bhutan’s cultural ethos of generosity and compassion. This is not merely an act of charity; it is an embodiment of our national values. By donating clothes, you provide immediate relief to those in need and participate in a broader movement towards sustainability and waste reduction.

Moreover, the benefits of donating clothes extend beyond the recipients. Numerous studies have shown that acts of generosity, such as donating clothes, can significantly boost the donor’s mood, increasing feelings of happiness and reducing stress. This emotional uplift underscores the profound psychological benefits of altruism, reinforcing the idea that giving is as beneficial to the giver as it is to the receiver.

In Bhutan, where the spirit of giving is deeply ingrained, the work of Gola-Gola Bhutan serves as a powerful reminder of our collective responsibility. Each garment donated is a step towards addressing the pressing issue of cloth waste, ensuring that usable clothing finds a new life instead of ending up in landfills. This initiative not only helps those in immediate need but also contributes to a more sustainable future by promoting reuse and recycling.

The upcoming activities under the SHIFT campaign further exemplify the group’s commitment to community engagement and environmental stewardship. The fashion design competition encourages creativity and innovation in addressing clothing waste, while the Gola-Gola store in Thimphu aims to provide a sustainable alternative to fast fashion by promoting the sale and exchange of second-hand clothes.

By participating in Gola-Gola Bhutan’s initiatives, each one of us can contribute to a cause that not only alleviates immediate needs but also promotes long-term environmental and social well-being.