ALOR STAR: Mention the acronym “BFF”, and the first thing that comes to mind is “Best Friends Forever”.
But in the heart of Alor Star, BFF holds a different meaning altogether.
A store, located at the Sultan
Abdul Halim business complex here, has been named “Baju For Free” (BFF).
The store not only allows needy people to find suitable clothes, but is also a place where people can donate their pre-loved items.
BFF, which opened on the second day of Ramadan, welcomes anyone to pick up clothes they find to
their liking twice a week — on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2pm until 6pm.
The concept, introduced by Sungai Tiang assemblyman Datuk Suraya Yaacob and managed by Pendang Welfare Foundation, was based on her experience while studying in the United Kingdom.
She said since opening BFF, many people have donated their pre-loved items.
“We don’t have to wait for a disaster to strike before we set up a charity drive.
“This will be a permanent place for anyone to share their pre-loved items. Anyone can take whatever they like from the racks,” she said on Thursday.
Suraya said there were no workers at the store, hence, anyone who wished to donate their pre-loved items could just walk in and hang their clothes on the racks.
A nurse at Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital, Rozila Radzi, 31, and her sister Roslina Radzi, 26, from Jalan Pegawai, said they became aware of the store through Facebook.
“My sister posted a question in a group for the Alor Star community, asking where she could donate clothes. And we were led to this place.
“We are donating these pre-loved clothes as we have outgrown them,” said Rozila.
She welcomed the concept of BFF as it would instil kindness in people’s hearts.
House cleaner Yusriyani Yusof, 39, from Kuala Kedah, said she read about the store from flyers distributed in her village.
She said she had come to the store twice to find clothes for herself
and her children, aged between 7 and 14.
“With a small income, I live on a tight budget to support my three children. And since Hari Raya is just around the corner, I cannot afford to spend too much.
“I came here to find suitable clothes for myself and my children,” she said on Thursday.
Housewife Azizah Saman, 38, from Simpang Kuala, said she welcomed the idea, especially since the store was not a one-time project.
“At least we know that we can come here to find clothes for us to wear.
“All of the clothes are in good condition and some look brand new,” she said.
Suraya hoped other people would take up the concept and set up similar stores in their areas.
Suraya, who is also the Kedah Women Development, Welfare, Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, and Entrepreneur Development Committee chairman, added that there was also a plan to open a food bank here to help people in need.