In a bid to boost its Tayf clothes donations program, Qatar Charity decided to attempt the Guinness World Records title for most clothes collected in 24 hours earlier this month.

The central purpose of the event was not entirely one of competitive spirit targeted at the then-standing 2013 Vietnamese record of 12.111 tonnes, but rather to inspire people to donate plenty and quickly.

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On the evening of the 26 th April, volunteers supplied by organising partner Mission 20 took to Aspire Park in Doha with a target of collecting 14 tonnes of clothing.

The sheer enthusiasm, energy and generosity of the participants had clearly been underestimated by organisers as they stormed through their total target in just 5 hours.

Despite soaring temperatures volunteers kept busy, the last 30 minutes in particular was an uplifting display of just how fast clothes can actually be sorted and packed. By 5pm, 27 th April, Doha time, the record attempt was over and an incredible 29.626 tonnes of clothes had been collected.

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There is no limit set on the number of people who can participate in this record and this attempt saw well over 130 volunteers and organisers from a variety of backgrounds joining together to smash the record.

GWR guidelines state that under-16s are not eligible to partake in the attempt but local company Happy Life Events were on hand providing entertainment keeping everyone involved, filling the day with games and competitions.

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The donations were sent to and used to raise money for those living in poverty in Central African Republic, Yemen and Philippines. The mountainous volume of donations and the inspiring energy of the sorters ensured this amazing spectacle gained prolific media coverage and support across key social channels.

Director of In-Kind donations Abdullah Al Dosari said the purpose of the event was to promote a culture of global philanthropy, expressing thanks to the Qatari benefactors and donors whose combined efforts more than doubled their target amount.

The event received widespread attention across national news media, with the Qatar Tribune and The Pininsular Qatar among those covering the event.