Grassrooted Trust launches clothing range

Saturday, 1 March 2014 07:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

On 20 February at the Good Market on Thursdays at Diyawannawa, The Grassrooted Trust launched its clothing range that includes men’s, women’s and unisex t-shirts and vests. “This clothing range, which uses iconic Sri Lankan images, is set to take Sri Lanka by storm, and also has the potential to be part of our burgeoning export market.” Damitha Perera, a buyer from London on sabbatical, volunteering with the Grassrooted Trust.

Young models including those living with HIV and those who identify as transgender were part of the fashion show; keeping with the objectives of the Grassrooted Trust that works with marginalised people including those who live with HIV, those who identify as transgender, and those who sell sex. Sales will go towards supporting the work of the Grassrooted Trust with these marginalised communities in Sri Lanka. “There was an extremely positive response to the clothing and customers were not making a one-time pity purchase to support a charity. So if you want to support our work, we don’t want a donation, buy one of our products,” said Paba Deshapriya, Director, Grassrooted Grassrooted wants to be independent because it is asking the communities they work with to be independent, work and earn a living. The Margie’s Kitchen initiative, with their Chillie Chocolate Cookie – where all those who work with them receive 80% of profits – is about encouraging people to understand and appreciate that they remain productive citizens of this country. “For us to continue raising funds and donations would be disingenuous. In the interest of transparency and best practice, The

Grassrooted Trust (Guarantee) Ltd. incorporated in 2013 will also make our audited accounts available online annually from 2014. Buy a t-shirt and help the development model evolve in what is now a middle income country,” said Hans Billimoria, Director, Grassrooted. The online store www.grassrooted.net/store is now open. Also look for Grassrooted clothing, mugs and post cards in stores near you, and visit Gacebook to order from Margie’s Kitchen.