Photo: Assyrians Without Borde

Rizwan Qadery, Arantxa Álvarez and Nemrod Barkarmo are three 18 year olds with sharp heads! They study their last year of the social and economic programme at De Geer High School, and are the ones who started a business where the profit goes to support the organization Assyrians Without Borders.

- First, we asked ourselves whether we really are dependent of gaining so much money? The answer to that question was probably quite simple, we here in the West have it pretty good and the money that we see as a small sum, which we can throw here and there can influence and ease lives in other parts out of the world and that is how we decided to donate 30% out of our profits to charity. Now recently our business idea has changed and we have decided to donate all the profit to charity. We basically see ourselves as completely independent of this money. We have decided to support you, Assyrians Without Borders, and also SOS Children’s Villages, which helps victims in Haiti.

Assyrians Without Borders chose to make contact with the three guys, whose idea was originally to start a regular clothing store for men, and which eventually evolved into a company that not only affects your appearance, but people around you. We asked them some questions.

How did this idea come about?

- The basis of our idea was that we felt that there was no selection of men's clothing that was fashionable, affordable and environmental friendly. After a few days, we figured it out. We would sell vintage / second hand clothing, which was a perfect solution. Low purchase cost, environmental friendly, very up to date, and that could be specially assorted so that the finest and trendiest items could be sold.

The goods are purchased from various garage sales, stores, or purchased or donations from private individuals. When we purchase, we select the garments with utmost care by distinguishing the special garments with high quality, high trend factor and unique characteristics. In this way we differ from ordinary second hand shops. We have had sales opportunities in several events, such as fashion shows and Christmas markets. In addition to these sales opportunities a lot of sales are made over the Internet through our blog. The target group was young men aged 15-30, and the market is large. It is a growing market and we hope that we make people open up their eyes to vintage.

What is your view on charity?
- As we have said, and this applies to most people here in the West, money is not taken very seriously, at least not sums that we think of as "small sums". But these "small sums" can help making life easier for many people in other places around the world. And if a small amount of money does not affect your life by making you richer or independent, then why not help those who may be affected and depend on it?

Why is it important to donate if you can?

- We urge all companies to try to make our world a better place by making a similar thing, contributing to charity. Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do a bit. And even if you think that you are sending a small amount of money, you should know that a little is better than nothing and it helps more than you think. The world depends on us here in the West, whatever the contributions may be. Ultimately, we want to prove that a company can take responsibility and show respect for the earth and its people.

How is it that you chose Assyrians Without Borders?

- The reason we chose AWB is because I (Nemrod Barkarmo) previously knew that you help war-affected Christian minorities in Iraq, which most people around the world do not pay attention to, or even care about. Minorities who barely get any help at all. People generally give to those who already receive help. But since I myself am of Assyrian descent, and I know about the sad situation in Iraq, I raised the question with the two others, who immediately gave their approval and agreed that it was a great idea and organization to donate to.

What hopes do you have on work, and on AWB?

- Our goal for this company is that we will affect our environment in different ways. For AWB, we want to draw attention to your hard work for the Assyrians and the problems that they are exposed to in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East. We wish to thank AWB for the important job you do and wish you good luck in the future. The same applies to the people working in Haiti.
In addition, we want people to change their views on second hand/vintage. We want second hand and vintage to be a good alternative when people shop things such as clothing.

Assyrians Without Borders