Around this time last year a big group of Beijing’s fashionistas gathered together at East Beijing Hotel for an annual night of drinks, food, and fashion – and best of all, it was all for charity.

Now let’s be honest, Beijing can get a bit dreary in the winter so we love an excuse for a for a good party. The annual clothing drive started by Rebecca Archer is almost here. Inspired by a clothing auction her cousin held in New Zealand, Archer decided to hold clothing auctions as a fun way of clearing out her closet, hosting a fabulous party, and doing some good all at the same time.

Archer shared a great tip about her evolving fashion; “Sometimes I love an item of clothing that doesn’t appear to be my style, or seems a bit out of my comfort zone. I realized that if I made myself wear it three times, it would either turn from a strange piece of clothing to a wardrobe staple, or I would realize I was still very uncomfortable in it. Then I would return it to the next clothes auction.”

This year’s event will be held at East Beijing Hotel on November 23 starting at 7pm. Last year the group raised over RMB 120,000 at various auctions held in people’s homes throughout the year, and this year the group aims to beat their previous record.

The Clothing Auction Network Is Built on Three Key Concepts:

Community – Strong friendships have formed between the women as they have bonded regularly over clothes, wine and food. New people are always welcome to join in the community, with many women saying they only had to attend one event to become an “addict”. Shopping is way more fun with friends, especially over wine, where you can get honest feedback about how things look and what suits you. The auctioneers running the event are able to get the laughs going, making for super enjoyable evenings.

Charity – All clothing is donated by participants, and then auctioned off with 100 percent of proceeds being donated to charity, with the leftover clothing either being upcycled or donated to charity.

Sustainable Fashion – Buying secondhand clothing is a sustainable solution to the environmental problem caused by the fashion industry. Many women suffer from having wardrobes full of clothes they have purchased that don’t fit, don’t look right, or that they just don’t want anymore. Bringing these clothes along to an Auction gives the clothes a second chance to go to a new home. Many of the items at the events have been circulating through the Network for four years, and have had several homes as people wear them for a season, then pass them on.

Tickets to this year’s auction will go on sale soon. For more information on Clothing Auctions, or if you would like to become a part of this incredible community, add Rebecca on WeChat (becstarnz).

Photos: Rebecca Archer

Over four years ago, a small group of women gathered together bringing their unworn clothing, in order to share it with each other, and raise money for charity. Fast forward to 2018 and the concept has grown with over 500 women attending the regular events held across Beijing in people’s homes, with over RMB 100,000 being raised this year alone.

The most recent Christmas Charity Auction was held at East Hotel who are avid proponents of sustainable and charitable initiatives, and saw 45 women gather together for a large scale pop-up clothing event, complete with good food and fine wine, that raised over RMB 15,000. In order to illustrate just how much this movement has grown, last years event, also graciously hosted by East Hotel, raised RMB 6,000.

The Clothing Auction Network is built on three key concepts:

1. Community – Strong friendships have formed between the women as they have bonded regularly over clothes, wine and food. New people are always welcome to join in the community, with many women saying they only had to attend one event to become an ‘addict’. Shopping is way more fun with friends, especially over wine, where you can get honest feedback about how things look and what suits you. The auctioneers running the event are able to get the laughs going, making for super enjoyable evenings.
2. Charity – All clothing is donated by participants, and then auctioned off with 100% of proceeds being donated to charity, with the leftover clothing either being up-cycled or donated to charity.
3. Sustainable Fashion – Buying second hand clothing is a sustainable solution to the environmental problem caused by the fashion industry. Many women suffer from having wardrobes full of clothes they have purchased that don’t fit, don’t look right, or that they just don’t want anymore. Bringing these clothes along to an Auction gives the clothes a second chance to go to a new home. Many of the items at the events have been circulating through the Network for 4 years, and have had several homes as people wear them for a season, then pass them on.

The Clothing Auction Network would love to thank all their sponsors who have donated their products or services to bring extra joy and love to the event – East Hotel, Laurent Falcon Hair Salon, PR/ME Gym, Powerful Human Candles, Pauline’s Cuisine, Zest, and ALL About.

For more information on Clothing Auctions, or if you would like to become a part of this incredible community, WeChat Rebecca on 130 7116 2353.

Photos: Courtesy of Clothing Auction Network

Do you have an upcoming family-friendly event that you want to be included in our listings? Maximize the reach of your event and promote it on beijingkids!

Let us know by leaving your message in the comments section below or by emailing us at webeditor@beijing-kids.com. Follow us on WeChat (ID: beijing-kids) or join our family events WeChat group by sending us your WeChat QR code. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are canceled or scheduled as planned. For more events that may not be included in this list, please check our Events page. 

Holiday Markets

British Embassy Christmas Bazaar, Nov 30
Wrap up warm and come along and enjoy a glass of mulled wine while doing a spot of Christmas shopping at the British Embassy Christmas Bazaar, complete with Christmas gifts, food and drink, and a raffle draw. Sing along with the choirs from Yew Chung International School of Beijing and the British Embassy to the tune of holiday carols. All ages. RMB 50 (adults), free (kids under 17). Register in advance by extracting the QR code in the image. 3-7pm. British Ambassador’s Residence.

Krismas sa Pinas: Filipino Christmas Holiday Bazaar, Dec 1
Filipino community group Kusina ni Kabayan shares Philippine-style Christmas festivities with everyone in Beijing at their Krismas sa Pinas holiday bazaar. Get a taste of traditional Christmas delicacies while you enjoy the sights of bright parol (Christmas lanterns) around the Christmas tree. Kids can decorate the Christmas tree as well! All ages. RMB 20 (ages 16+), RMB 5 (ages 4-15, with a Christmas tree ornament), free entrance for kids ages 0-3. 3-7pm. Plan B, Shuangjing. (WeChat ID: Kusina-ni-Kabayan, kusinanikabayan@gmail.com)

18th German Charity Christmas Bazaar, Dec 1
The 18th German Charity Christmas Bazaar, a delightful and popular holiday fair where over 40 stallholders and market sponsors donate their time and revenue, will be held at the German Embassy Beijing from 11am to 6pm. Visitors will delight in delicious traditional German food items, festive music, books, beautiful handmade Christmas decorations, activities for the children, a gigantic raffle with valuable prizes and more. All visitors are asked to bring a valid passport or ID-card along with their tickets. All ages. RMB 100 (adult tickets), RMB 10 (children tickets). See this page for the locations where you can buy tickets. 11am-6pm. German Embassy Beijing.

3e Charity Christmas Bazaar, Dec 1
3e International School welcomes everyone to their annual Charity Christmas Bazaar, where everyone can buy handmade Christmas gifts or enjoy creating holiday crafts and activities for the whole family. There’s a raffle draw too with proceeds going to the school’s charity initiatives. All ages. Free admission. 10am-noon. 3e International School, Lido Campus.

Rumble in the Jumble: Aloha Christmas, Dec 1
Rumble in the Jumble is what happens when British jumble sales, American thrift shops, and Chinese markets gloriously collide. In time for the Christmas season, the organizers have brought together vendors from different countries, each touting their handicrafts, delicious foods, and vintage or second-hand items good for Christmas gifts. There’s also a surprising selection of services, from tattoos to storytelling. Adults. Free admission. Noon-6pm. Modernista.

BSB Sanlitun Christmas Cracker, Dec 2
Get in the festive spirit of Christmas at The British School of Beijing (BSB), Sanlitun, as they hold their Christmas Cracker fair on December 2 from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Do your Christmas shopping, make some seasonal arts and crafts, meet Santa and enjoy some delicious food and drinks. All ages. Free admission. 10.30am-2.30pm. The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun.

CISB Charity Bazaar, Dec 2
Canadian International School of Beijing’s annual Charity Bazaar is back! Get all of your holiday shopping done and support worthwhile charities while you do it. Get holiday gifts and food, and enjoy music, arts and crafts activities. All ages. Free. 10am-3pm. Canadian International School of Beijing. (admissions@CISBeijing.com)

Festive Family Day at Hilton Beijing, Dec 2
Get what you’ve always wanted for Christmas at the Festive Family Day bazaar, organized by Hilton Beijing. It features over 40 Christmas vendors and activities to get everyone into the spirit of the holiday. All ages. Free admission. 2-8pm. 3rd Floor of Hilton Beijing.

2018 Claire’s & Roundabout Community Art Charity Bazaar, Dec 2
Claire’s & Roundabout Community Art Center are holding a charitable event on December 2, aimed at bringing the arts into our lives and helping people as many as possible. Enjoy music, dance, and opera performances from different international schools, and a bazaar full of handicrafts and delicious food. All money raised at the event will go to the medical treatment of children with congenital heart disease supported by Roundabout. All ages. RMB 300 per person; RMB 800 for one family (three people). 3-6pm. Shunyifornia Theatre. (151 8260 9391)

YCIS Beijing Christmas Bazaar 2018, Dec 11
Yew Chung International School of Beijing invites everyone to their annual festive community event, the YCIS Beijing Christmas Bazaar on December 11. The bazaar is run by the YCIS Beijing student body, enabling them to raise money for chosen charities. Parents will be organizing additional gift stalls, and some of Beijing’s best vendors will provide delicious food and drink. All ages. Free admission (scan QR code to register). 10am-1pm. Yew Chung International School of Beijing. (8585 1825, info@bj.ycef.com) 

Musicals and Performances

BSB Shunyi Secondary Production: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, Nov 30-Dec 1
Come and see this musical performed by The British School of Beijing (BSB) Shunyi’s Secondary students. A car called Chitty comes into the lives of two children and their father, and becomes a factory of dreams and their most trusty ally. All ages. RMB 100 (adults), RMB 65 (kids). Performance schedules: Nov 30 (Fri) at 7pm; Dec 1 (Sat) at 2pm and 7pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588, marketing@bsbshunyi.com)

CISB StageCats Present I Don’t Want To Talk About It, Nov 30-Dec 1
Being a teenager is hard…and no one wants to talk about it! That’s the theme of CISB StageCats’ latest performance, an ensemble piece that explores what life is like as a young adult. This play brings together over 50 students from the school community to “talk about it” even when it is difficult to do so. This show is entirely student-directed, combining scenes and movement choreographed by experienced members of CISB StageCats. All ages. RMB 30-50. Nov 30 show: 6.30pm. Dec 1 show: 1.30pm. Canadian International School of Beijing.

Gone with the Wind the Musical (English Version), Nov 30, Dec 1-2, Dec 4-5
This is the world premiere of the English musical, Gone with the Wind, based on the original French musical Autant emporte le Vent. This version stars Rachel Gold, who also played the leading lady in the musical Phantom of the Opera. This musical presents a time racked by the tumult of war, telling a heart-wrenching romantic epic, in which a girl never surrenders to life’s challenges and grows to be a woman. Adults. RMB 180-1,000. 7.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater.

Christmas Stories with the Beijing International Chamber Orchestra, Dec 2
The Beijing International Chamber Orchestra (BICO) stages their Christmas Concert, featuring Norwegian composer Edvard Grieg’s enchanting musical tale, Peer Gynt, and his much-loved Piano Concerto. This performance continues BICO’s longstanding tradition of presenting entertaining and educational concerts for the family. There’s a special guest too, Santa Claus, who will tell interesting stories and will bring a gift for every child! All ages. RMB 250 (adults), RMB 150 (children). 4-6pm. Canadian International School of Beijing. (158 1124 3143, maria.nauen@mail.ru)

More Month-End Activities

INN November 2018 Gathering: Charity Clothing Auction, Nov 27
This may be the International Newcomer’s Network’s (INN) last gathering of 2018, but they promise to make it worthwhile! INN are holding a clothing auction with all proceeds going to Dew Drops Little Flower Project. Expect a variety of women’s clothing, shoes, handbags, and accessories on hand, so make sure to reserve a spot. Bidding will start promptly at 11am, and each bid starts at RMB 10 and can be done via cash or WeChat Pay. Adults. Free admission. 10am-1pm. The Bookworm.

An Introduction to Non-Violent Communication, Nov 28
This workshop takes a deeper look into non-violent communication (NVC), which brings a very practical framework to reverse that tendency of caregivers to place teachings and logistics before the quality of the relationship with children. The lecture will be led by Julia Feste, NVC trainer and former Montessori educator. Adults. RMB 30 (LMMP parents), RMB 80 (non-LMMP parents). 5-7pm. La Maison Montessori de Pekin.

Men’s Wellness Day at Oasis International Hospital, Nov 29
Gentlemen, look after your health! OASIS International Hospital are holding a wellness session for men, in time for Men’s Wellness Day, featuring a Pilates session for back and shoulder pain management, and a talk on men’s health issues and practical nutrition. Adults. RMB 200 (scan the QR code to register). 5.30-8pm. OASIS International Hospital.

Craft for Charity, every Wed and Fri until Dec 11
Join The SLab crew at the Palette Bakery for this free craft session where volunteers are invited to drop-in crafting sessions twice a week, as they prepare items to sell at holiday markets around Beijing. Materials and instruction are provided by The SLab. All proceeds benefit the Migrant Children’s Foundation. All ages. Free to attend. 10am-noon. Palette Bakery. (WeChat ID: Elizaj)

School Open Days

YCIS Beijing Open Day, Nov 27
YCIS Beijing invites everyone to attend their Open Day on November 27. Parents will have the opportunity to see the changes taking place across the campus and visit their newly renovated Learning Communities. The academic staff will also hold information sessions on their approaches to teaching. Free (register here). 9-11am. Yew Chung International School of Beijing.

ISB Middle & High School Open House, Nov 29
ISB invites prospective parents and students of middle school (Grades 6-8) and high school (Grades 9-12) to come and learn about ISB’s curriculum and teaching practices. Meet Head of School Patrick Hurworth, learn more about their high school and college guidance programs, and hear first-hand accounts from their student panel. An in-depth presentation from their middle school principal will follow the high school program. Families will also have the opportunity to tour the campus following each divisional discussion. All ages. Free admission but RSVP required (register here). 8.45am-noon. International School of Beijing. (8149 2345 ext. 1047, admission@isb.bj.edu.cn)

3e International School Open House (Elementary), Nov 30
3e International School invites parents to experience the school’s bilingual dual immersion Elementary program. They can tour the campus and get an overview of the Grades 1-6 bilingual program and curriculum. Adults. Free (RSVP here). 9.30-11.30am. 3e International School. (6437 3344, info@3einternationalschool.org)

Photos: Courtesy of BSB, Sanlitun (featured photo) and event organizers

Old Clothes, New Clothes

Rebecca Archer, who always radiates a creative and positive vibe, is usually the first mom to come up with great ideas to socialize and interesting things to do with kids. The New Zealand native has been an expat for seven years, the last three years of which she has called Beijing home. She is now a very busy stay at home mom, and has been for the last five years. Archer’s first year as a mother was spent in Nigeria. The experience was lonely and she craved community, but where she lived made getting connected to others in a similar situation difficult, if not impossible.

Archer believes that a supportive community around the family is the key to a successful expat existence. “I realized that if I couldn’t find community around me, I would have to create it,” she told us.

“Out of my lonely time in Nigeria, I reached out to a couple of women I had just met and we started meeting on a weekly basis to journey through the challenges of expat life together.”

She also started connecting with other expat families who were struggling with their teenagers. “I realized that it was just important for expat teenagers to have a solid positive community,” she said. She began investing in these young people’s lives, creating numerous events and social activities, as well as opportunities for mentorship.

“It is the thought of women feeling disconnected that drives me. To be lonely in a place far from home is not a feeling I like to have, and most women I know get the ‘expat blues’ for a number of months when moving to a new place. From my personal experience, the best cure is to try and find ‘your people’ as fast as you can,” Archer advised.

She added, “I think it’s awesome that in Beijing there are enough people from all walks of life that there is plenty of potential to make close friendships.” The challenge can often be how to turn these acquaintances into friends, which is part of how the Beijing Clothing Auction Network began. Archer met a few people when she first moved to Beijing who she realized could help her repeat the Clothes Auction social event through their commonalities. “What has happened is that our first event where we had 12 ladies get together has turned into a monthly or bi-monthly event with over 200 members vying for spots in the next social event. The regularity of the meetings has developed and solidified some great friendships,” Archer explained.

After auctions are held, women stay in these WeChat groups and share pictures of “auction clothing” as they wear them in their normal day-to-day life. Sometimes, women who attended the events, who would otherwise not have met in normal Beijing life, will spot each other out in public. Photos will pop up of two or three ladies standing together wearing auction clothing. The auctions now have three main groups, one based in Shunyi, one in the city, and one in Yizhuang.

The original idea of the auctions came from when her cousin in New Zealand held a clothes auction many years ago. A few things struck Archer: the awesome quality of clothes that people no longer wanted, how cheap they were, and how much fun the auction was. Archer held her first clothes auction in Indonesia when she realized her wardrobe was getting full of clothes she wasn’t wearing, and she was craving a social event. Since then she has spread the auction joy in three different countries, Indonesia, New Zealand, and now China. Her wardrobe is constantly changing, and she creates a ton of new friends along the way.

Charities that have benefited are: Dew Drops Little Flower, Chunmaio Little Flower, Roundabout, Kapuna Hospital in PNG, Nepal Earthquake Relief, Little Adoption Shop, UN Refuge Agency, New Hope, Migrant Children’s Foundation, New Hope, Smile Week and Cleft Pallet Surgeries.  An amount of RMB 36,000 has been raised the last two years.

“I haven’t always run events for charity, but since a teenager, I have been involved with various groups and ran different community events” Archer explains. Depending on the season of her life she created new opportunities. When she moved to Beijing, she could not find an affordable preschool for her kids, so she created a parent and child led class in Shunyi, where families could come together for fun musical movement and socializing. Giving families a chance to create community feel away from home.

Last month, Archer and her friends organized a similar event called The Great Shunyi Kids Clothes Swap. The event was innovative and successful in the community by raising money for charity, and providing children around Beijing with a wardrobe of nearly new clothing.

Photos: Courtesy of Rebecca Archer

Meet Other Beijing Community Pillars