[Keelby, UK] – Angel Gowns GYUK is a volunteer-based organization that upcycles
donated prom and wedding dresses into free funeral garments and care packages for
families who have experienced child or baby loss.
The organization creates tiny dresses, romper suits, hats, and other items for babies,
toddlers, and children up to age 18. These garments, along with knitted items and
blankets, are included in packs; these packs contain a gown, hat, booties, a nappy and
some knitted or crochet items . Some packs also contain a knitted blanket. These
enable families to say good bye to their baby or child.
The whole idea started in Lockdown, Wendy Freeman was hand sewing clear lip
reading masks for Louise Drakes’ group ‘Lippy Lous’. Louise suggested that Wendy
should hand sew Angel Gowns, with the concept coming to life when a sewing machine
was donated. Louise taught Wendy over video call how to sew and by December 2020
they had about 5 volunteers; which increased in January 2021, when Louise did some
demo gowns.
Now Angel Gowns have 450 volunteers, with their main page boasting over 1000
followers and nearly 7000 on the ‘emergency finished gowns’ group. Now with over 450
volunteers and a dedicated HQ, Angel Gowns GYUK accepts donations of dresses and
fabrics, which are then transformed into new items. The HQ also serves as a workshop
space where volunteers learn upcycling skills and create other items for those in need,
such as drain bags and children's hospital gowns.
“The concept works by initially by having a donator contact us. We send them a form
and Louise looks to see who’s nearest to the donator. She matches them up, and once
collected the dress is washed, dismantled and cut. Then its sewn and these garments
are lined. Finished garments then go out to Families, hospitals, funeral directors,
celebrants and hospices.”
Angel Gowns GYUK is committed to environmental sustainability and community
support. The organization rescues items from charity shop waste, runs low-cost pop-up
shops, and hosts upcycling workshops in schools and community centres. Founder,
Louise Drake, also leads local yarn bomb groups, creating vibrant public art displays.
They also offer a 1-1 dismantling service for domestic abuse cases and divorces,
providing a safe space for individuals to choose items. They also prioritize
environmental responsibility by focusing on collecting donations only from inside the
UK, ensuring no air miles are clocked up in the process. Angel Gowns GYUK has
received nominations for civic awards and continues to campaign for sustainable
practices within the charity sector.
Angel Gowns is excited to be working with Mary Anna, Miss Progress UK, to create a
national costume from entirely second hand materials. We are excited to be creating
something which is a great encapsulation of the United Kingdom’s spirt and history; and
look forward to seeing this costume represented on the international stage at Miss
Progress International, in Italy.
Contact:
Louise Drake – Angel Gowns GYUK
Instagram: @angelgowns2022
Facebook: Angel Gowns GYUK
Email: [email protected]
