The story of a donated kimono

A beautiful red silk Japanese kimono was recently donated to Shop on Carroll and the story of its origins is one of kindness and generosity.

The kimono was donated 20 years ago to Dunedin man, Adrian Telfer.

“Many years ago, we had a Japanese male student, Kazu Yamamoto, stay with us for a few weeks and he attended Kaikorai Valley College,” says Adrian.

While the trip was relatively short, it had a lasting impact on the student who came back to Dunedin 20 years ago with his wife, Yoshie.

“Kazu’s wife brought her wedding kimono and donated it to us. It was a wonderful and completely unexpected act of kindness. We’ve had the kimono since then.”

When Adrian heard about the Shop on Carroll Wedding Extravaganza, he saw it as the perfect opportunity to donate the kimono so that it could have a new life.

Retail Co-Manager, Fiona Dodds, was absolutely delighted to receive such a beautiful and unique garment.

“Because it’s made of silk, it’s value is high,” says Fiona. “It was always going to be a special treasure for someone willing to spend quite a lot of money for it.”

Just a couple of days later the kimono was sold, purchased by Rikki Gibb who was immediately drawn to it.

“I was enamoured by the iridescent quality and bold colours and knew that I couldn’t leave without it,” says Rikki.

Being a regular customer at Shop on Carroll, Rikki is delighted to have the kimono to add to his ensemble of eclectic clothing.

“It will be stored safely until I create the full ensemble and have an event important enough for me to wear it.”

Funds raised at Shop on Carroll go directly into supporting our social services, so donations (and purchases) like these are of real value to the entire community.

Shop on Carroll Charity Shop

169 Princes St, Dunedin
Monday to Friday 10am – 5pm
Saturday 10am – 4pm
shoponcarroll.org.nz

When you purchase through us you support our local community.

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