If heaven exists for dedicated op-shoppers, then it would definitely have to be the annual Bindaring Red Cross clothing sale. Situated at Claremont Showgrounds, the event raises thousands of dollars each year for the Red Cross through the sale of tons of good quality second-hand clothes for men, women and children. Held this year on Saturday 25th May, the Sale promises to be bigger and better than ever before with a jumble sale, boutique and auction held throughout the day.
While these days the Bindaring Red Cross Sale is a major local event, its beginnings fifty years ago are much more humble. Named after Bindaring Parade in Claremont, the event was first held in 1963 when five young wives and mothers started to volunteer at the Lady Lawley Cottage, a Red Cross respite centre in Cottesloe for disabled children and their families. Wanting to assist further by donating extra, much-needed funds, the women organised a jumble sale in the garage of one of their member's homes, where they sold clothing that they no longer wanted or that their children had outgrown. Within a couple of years, the amount of items which they had collected for sale was so great that they needed to relocate to larger premises, and the event was moved to the Perth Town Hall, where it became a popular social event for women from all over the city.
While initially the event was basically a very large jumble sale, over the years the quality of donated items increased, and in order to achieve higher prices for these exquisite creations, an auction also became an integral part of it. To date, the Bindaring Red Cross Sale has donated a staggering 1.3 million dollars to the Lady Lawley Cottage, and has become a much-loved happening on the Perth social calendar.
This year's Bindaring Red Cross Sale will be held on Saturday, 25th May at Claremont Showgrounds, Gate One. Parking will be free, but the event will be popular so it's strongly recommended to arrive early, or to come by public transport. Opening at 9am, the jumble sale will be held at the Ellie Eaton Pavilion and features a mind-boggling selection of quality clothing for people of all ages, with every item priced at less than $10. There will also be the opportunity for shoppers to fill a bag (provided) for just fifty cents.
Lovers of upmarket fashion and vintage apparel will also want to check out the boutique held at the Jim Robinson Pavilion. Doors open at 10am and there is a fifty cent entry charge to celebrate the event's fiftieth anniversary. Here, discerning shoppers can peruse a range of well-known brands, designer labels, unsold stock, seconds, and samples donated by shops and suppliers. There will also be pop-up stalls selling shoes and stylish accessories such as bags, scarves, hats and belts. In addition, for shoppers looking for something truly unique, there will be stalls selling vintage and contemporary jewellery. Everything at the boutique will be priced under $99.
At 11.30am the auction will be held, and to celebrate the Sale's fiftieth anniversary, organisers have collected an assortment of pieces from well-known Red Cross supporters including the Governor General Quentin Bryce, model Megan Gale and designers Aurelio Costarella and Catherine Martin.
This year the Bindaring Red Cross Sale will be supported by 720 ABC radio who will be laying a special treasure hunt and providing spot prizes for lucky shoppers. Refreshments will be available at a cafe run by Red Cross volunteers.
In a nut-shell, the Bindaring Red Cross Sale will be a fabulous event, and a perfect destination for a 'girls day out' with a difference. Not only will you pick up some great bargains in a fun, upbeat environment, but you will also help the important work that the Red Cross does, supporting needy people within our community. As this event will undoubtedly be extremely busy, perhaps consider using public transport to get there. The Claremont Showgrounds has its own train station which is open for special events, and buses regularly stop at Claremont shopping centre, just a few minute's walk away.
