Do you have designs on being both fashionable and charitable?
Contact Madam Fion Phua.
The 42-year-old wants to "exchange" about 50 of her designer items, worth tens of thousands of dollars.
But she won't accept cash. Only bags of rice, thank you, because she wants to feed needy families. The idea struck her last Sunday while she was clearing out her storeroom.
Said the club membership broker: "I suddenly realised I've accumulated so much junk over the years. I hardly use these bags. They're taking up space. So it's time to get rid of them."
In her stash are about 50 sling bags, clutches, wallets, coin and key pouches.
They are from high-fashion labels like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Fendi and Alfred Dunhill.
She has spent at least $70,000 on these items.
She started accumulating them from the age of 16. She paid for most of the items herself.
"Every birthday, anniversary and Christmas, I would buy something to pamper myself."
She would spend between a few hundred dollars and $10,000 each time. She said she doesn't buy herself expensive gifts any more.
"Some were also presents from my husband, relatives and friends," said Madam Phua.
She will keep a few for sentimental reasons. But she wants to "exchange" most of them.
Worried about damage or loss
"With these branded goods, I was always worried they would get lost or damaged," she said. "In the end, I spent a lot of energy fussing over them. They didn't bring me much happiness."
Why doesn't she sell?
"I'm not the type to hanker after money that's already spent."
Give them away?
"No, these goods are still expensive, and I'm not sure the receiving party will treasure them. "I will xin tia (heartache in Hokkien) if I just give them away."
So she has decided to exchange them for 5kg bags of rice.
Said Madam Phua: "I will give the rice to needy families I meet. It's a good cause, so I don't mind forgoing the bags for it."
Read the full story here.
Update:
According to The New Paper on Wednesday (Aug 15), response to Madam Phua's offer has been overwhelming.
She told TNP that she can get up to 85 Facebook messages and 200 SMSes a day on the matter.
Some even offer to give bags of rice without wanting her designer bags.
Madam Phua has decided to accept bids until the end of the month. She has uploaded pictures of the designer bags on Facebook, and those interested can bid for them by posting comments.
Get The New Paper for more stories.
