Words by Smiley Team
In London’s West End, Carnaby Street at Christmas time is abustle with lights, shoppers and festivity. It’s not a place you might associate with people in need. But this year, a popup store on the famous street is dedicated to supporting those who are less fortunate, asking passersby to buy supplies and services for refugees.
From now until 24 December, shoppers can select individual items, bundles of basic essentials or support services for those fleeing difficult situations abroad.
Their wares include food, clothes and other practical supplies as well as services such as family reunion assistance and mental health support.
Shoppers even have the option of buying the entire store, which costs just £550, in order to optimise the support they can offer.
Choose Love will distribute all purchases to 150 organisations they’ve partnered with which work on the ground across Europe, the Middle East and along the border between the US and Mexico.
You can also purchase something for yourself, with some funky merchandise up for grabs, designed by London artist Lakwena. Available for just three months from their online store, the collection includes t-shirts, sweatshirts, baby grows and tote bags.
The charity’s co-founder and CEO Josie Naughton said: “With record-high numbers of forcibly displaced people in 2021, we need shoppers more than ever to come down and visit our Christmas Store. From a hot meal to mental health support, everyone can help rebuild the life of a refugee this year.”
Around the world today there are around 82 million refugees and displaced people. To support them, Choose Love funds local organisations working on the ground along global migration routes.
In just five years, the charity has provided more than one million people with a huge range of basic necessities and services, including search and rescue support and legal advice.
Find out more and donate at choose.love.
