News
11 March, 2026
Campbelltown charity dispels rumours of them closing down
Campbelltown charity The Formal Project Bloom Inc has taken to social media to dispel rumours that they are closing down.
Campbelltown charity The Formal Project Bloom Inc has taken to social media to dispel rumours that they are closing down.
Founding President Sam Oakes said that the rumours were in fact not true, and that the charity was running bigger and better than ever.
“We are NOT closing down, the rumours are NOT true, and the best way to get the truth is to ask us!” Ms. Oakes stated.
“Sadly competitors (I will not name & shame as I don’t want anyone attacked) are informing community members we are closing hence all the sales!
“The same competitors are also telling people we have closed donation acceptance.”
Ms Oakes also noted that her competitors were also telling people that The Formal Project Bloom Inc are not a charity.
“The Formal Project Bloom Inc is a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not for profit Commission (ACNC),” she said.
“We report to them, to the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) and to Fair Trading. If you head to the ACNC website, click ‘search for a charity’, type in The Formal Project Bloom Inc or our ABN (which is 16 162 300 434) you will find us and our Annual Information Statement there.
“I can tell you that these competitors trying to bring us down certainly aren’t listed there!
“I would see it as gossip if I didn’t see the numerous messages from these competitors to community members with my own eyes.
“I cannot stress enough that this is NOT true!”
In fact Ms Oakes revealed that the charity has plans to expand in the not too distant future.
“We aren’t going anywhere, if anything we hope to expand,” she said.
“There are BIG dreams for The Formal Project Bloom Inc, and we are doing all we can to raise funds to ensure those dreams come true. Dreams that will get teenagers off the streets, dreams that will give people safety, security and dignity.
“There are also costs associated with making all this possible. Our landlord is absolutely incredible with the financial relief he provides, however we still have rent and expenses to cover.
“We NEVER cease donation acceptance, rain hail or shine we accept donations 7 days a week from 9am - 4pm.
“Our donation information is pinned to the top of our Facebook page.
“We call further sales such as our current $1.00 sale to move stock.”
The Formal Project Bloom Inc also collaborates with distributors. Those distributors receive stock from companies, with items generally going to textile recyclers.
“These items are generally shredded becoming furniture fill, pillow fill and/or rags and in some cases becoming landfill,” Ms Oakes said.
“This means beautiful quality clothing shredded to pieces or ending up in landfill. Collaborating with these distributors means that we save that from happening. It means we can provide quality low cost clothing to the community on a regular basis.
“We directly support homeless community members, those escaping domestic and family violence, teens living in group homes, refuges or couch surfing, and many more situations with free clothing and personal care items.
“This is done from our shop front on a daily basis. Every time it is done with dignity and respect for each individual.
“The Formal Project Bloom Inc. is proud to be a sustainable organization. If items cannot be sold, they are given out for free. We do NOT take items to the tip, and we do not pay thousands in rubbish removal. We rely on the community members donating to us, to follow our donation guidelines. You are all incredible at doing this. Following those guidelines ensures your donation has the biggest impact.
“We put out so many items for free in an attempt to save them from landfill.
“You can find our free shelf at the front of our store right near our register. Items are added to it daily, this ensures those items stay out of landfill.
“We are here for the community, we support so many people in so many different ways on a daily basis, not once a day, but multiple times a day.
“Your donations and your purchases are what make it all possible, we truly appreciate the continued encouragement and support we receive.
“Again I stress, we are NOT closing down!! This is just the beginning for The Formal Project Inc Bloom.”
The Formal Project Bloom Inc is open seven days from 9am to 4pm and is located at 263 Queen St, Campbelltown.
For more information visit their Facebook page, contact Sam Oakes on 0405 663 002 or email them at admin@theformalproject.org.
Read More: Campbelltown, Camden