Vintage is being celebrated in a glorious way in Malaysia as going vintage has proven to be a successful affair for the Malaysian Red Crescent (MRC). Its recent fund-raising endeavour, A Vintage Affair, took in a nett profit of RM112,326, 12 percent above the gross target of RM100,000.
Held on the March 10, 2013, A Vintage Affair, was a fulfilling day of throwback shopping and entertainment for a good cause.
Zahara Shariman, the event chairperson announced the wonderful news after the accounts were consolidated and finalised.
“Approximately half of the proceeds came from coupon sales and the rest from cash contributions as well as sponsorship – full and partial – of the various activities, equipment and staging” said Zahara. “Our expenses came to only 18 percent of our gross takings, well under the allowable rate of 30 percent”
While the bulk of the sales came from the clothing, the most popular activity was The Lucky Dip which practically sold out. Zahara attributed this to the attractive prizes, all of which were either donated by various industries such as airlines, hotels, restaurants, spas as well as gifted by individuals.
MRC’s National Chairman Tunku Tan Sri Shahriman Tunku Sulaiman is well delighted and at the same time grateful, “I am deeply heartened by the various forms of support – cash, kind, time and energy – extended by Malaysians, from all backgrounds, right from the onset.” The funds raised from A Vintage Affair will specifically go towards programmes benefitting children, single mothers, the elderly, and vulnerable.
Meanwhile at the RC Shop it is smiles all round, “I think it is fair to say that A Vintage Affair achieved all that it was to do: fast track the appreciation for vintage wear, build awareness for MRC, the RC Shop and RC+ as well as raise funds all at the same time”, said RC Shop Chairperson Sherry Kamarudin who is now tasked with developing RC+, its premium vintage line, and ensuring a continuous flow of income for MRC.
The new MRC new headquarters in Lengkok Belfield off Jalan Wisma Putra will be renovated for members of the public to bring in their donations as well as browse and purchase the pre-loved stocks easier. The inspiration for RC+ came from the success shown by the vintage, designer and retro “lines” in Red Cross/Red Crescent charity shops overseas as well as the fast increasing trend of buying second-hand fashion.
The Malaysian Red Crescent is totally self funding and does not receive government aid. For more information on MRC please go to www.redcrescent.org.my. To donate clothing please contact the RC Shop on +603 2143 7872.
