On Sunday, April 13, I found myself surrounded by racks of clothes, trays of jewelry, boxes of toys, and a steady stream of familiar faces. It wasn’t a shopping mall or a trade show—it was this year’s XUN Spring Charity Bazaar.

I’ve been part of this event for a few years now, and each time I leave feeling the same way: lighter, connected, and hopeful.

As a professional organizer, I spend a lot of time talking about letting go. Not in a throwaway sense, but in a mindful, purposeful way. What you’ve outgrown might be exactly what someone else is looking for. This event is proof of that.

Why I Declutter and Encourage Others To

Decluttering is never about getting rid of stuff. It’s about making room—physically and mentally. When I’m invited to speaking events, I always tell people: if it no longer fits your life, it’s probably meant to fit someone else’s.

This event gives people a reason to let go with intention. Whether it’s a jacket you haven’t worn in two winters or a toy your child has outgrown, donating these items helps families, communities, and in this case, entire schools.

One Bag at a Time, One School at a Time

This year, over 25% of all proceeds went to support the installation of solar energy systems in high-altitude schools in Qinghai Province. These schools need heating and hot water, and solar power makes it sustainable.

It’s easy to forget how far a small donation can go. But when you’re told that a few bags of clothes helped power a school, it hits differently.

Since 2016, this event has raised more than RMB800,000 for charity. And that impact keeps growing.

What the Bazaar Looks Like Up Close

This year’s venue felt warm and easy—soft lighting, curved seating, an open layout that invited conversation. There were no big signs or flashy setups. Just people browsing, helping each other, and chatting over racks of carefully chosen secondhand pieces.

I saw everything from vintage handbags to mint-condition boots. One table was full of costume jewelry, another had embroidered linens. It was quiet in a good way. Everyone was focused, taking their time.

Some came to shop. Some came to donate. A few came only to reconnect with friends they hadn’t seen since the last bazaar. Everyone brought something—whether it was a tote bag full of sweaters or an hour of their time helping set up.

Books, Toys, and the Joy of Giving

One of my favorite parts of the event is seeing kids walk in with toys they’ve chosen to give away. We asked for donations for children aged 5 to 11—books, puzzles, things still in good shape. They’ll go straight to the same schools benefiting from the solar project.

Why Circular Fashion Works

I believe that most people want to live more sustainably—they just don’t know where to start. Circular fashion makes it simple. You buy better. You keep less. You pass it on when it’s time.

As an organizer, I see first-hand how much clothing sits in closets, unworn and forgotten. At events like this, those items get a second life—and you get your space back.

Fast fashion depends on people buying more than they need. Circular fashion depends on people giving when they’re done. There’s more heart in it.

Behind the Scenes, Always a Team Effort

It takes a lot of people to make something like this happen. Volunteers helped with setup, welcomed guests, sorted donations. Vendors curated racks full of clean, wearable pieces. Every detail was considered, but nothing felt forced.

No one was trying to sell you something you didn’t need. It was about the exchange. And it worked.

I always leave these events feeling like I was part of something bigger. And cleaner. And more thoughtful.

What I Hope You’ll Do Next

Start at home. Open one drawer. Take one shelf. Pull out what you’re not using anymore. Ask yourself: could this help someone else?

I don’t believe in holding onto things out of guilt. I believe in giving them new meaning.

If you’re in the area next time, come to the bazaar. Bring something to donate. Take something home. You’ll see what I mean.

These events only happen two to three times a year. But the mindset? You can start that any day.

Related Reads

• Annual Charity Bazaar Recap
  
• Christmas Charity Event
  
• How to Declutter Your Home and Make a Difference in Your Community
  

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