Col Anil Alagh, M Block, Editor Samvada
“Walking the Talk with Slim Homes Founder, Dr. (Mrs.) Savita Nagpal”
Two Slim Homes sales of pre-loved items were held on 30 Nov and 09 Dec 22 respectively. Pre-loved is a euphemism for items which have been worn/used, and are now no longer needed by the original owner. Both sales were a success as hordes of local workforce from Silokhera and adjoining shops and clusters descended on the array of clothes, shoes, accessories, etc., laid out on open tables next to the Arcade Car parking. Dr. Savita was at the forefront with her able
soldiers, Seema (also a hardcore Gurudwara Sevadar) and Surbhi (our Cut ‘n Style Saloon Boss and ardent animal lover), standing shoulder to shoulder, beside her.
The sales were brisk, with items priced from Rs. 20/- to Rs. 100/- depending on their condition and utility value. The EC Gen Secy, Ashwani Duggal, spent time with the ladies on 30 Nov giving the mission a fillip from the RWA as well. The monies collected from these sales will go towards environment improvement in Southcity-I, and other ‘green goals’ championed by Dr. Savita.
So what exactly is Slim Homes? I thought it best to get it straight from the ‘mare’s mouth’. What Dr. Savita had to articulate is summed up below.
Motivation for holding Garage Sales : We feel that Garage Sales of pre-owned items allows for a more inclusive participation by society towards bettering our environment.
• The proceeds from the sales are used to further our environment goals.
• Secondly, this avenue of fundraising helps to underscore the ethos of Slim Homes, which is “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle and Re-invent”.
• Lastly, it encourages people to de-clutter their homes.
Why we think it is effective
• Garage Sales serve as awareness programs as well as they create a desire to de-clutter, re-use and recycle.
• Sensitization towards environmental issues.
• Simplicity makes it easy for anyone to be part of the initiative.
Average Footfall : We attract 30-50 people per Garage Sale, many of whom are
repeat customers. (I would contest that figure, because there were well over 200 visitors on 09 Dec.)
Customer Demographics : Since we have a wide range of items, we have found buyers across all socio economic groups. Also, the buyers span all age groups for the same reason.
Our Projects : Slim Homes funnels the raised funds towards projects aimed at plantation drives, water conservation, waste management etc. The Slim Homes Winter Sales on 30th Nov 2022 and 9 th Dec 2022, at the Arcade in South City 1 market , Gurgaon, proved to be a huge success as people happily grabbed woolens, jeans, leggings, linen, children’s clothing as well as toys and
brick-a-bracs. All of these pre owned items, were sold at throwaway prices. It was a win – win situation as the items will get re-used. While they made the new owners happy, the original owners’ de-cluttered their homes, and Southcity-I will benefit from the proceeds which are pledged towards effective Waste Management in our Colony itself.
While this initiative helps residents to get rid of items they no longer use and thereby metamorphically make their Homes Slim, I do wish there was a way to de-clutter and get slim around the waist too ….. don’t you??
