Don't let private collectors scoop charities
KIND-hearted residents in East Dunbartonshire have been urged to ensure clothing donations benefit charities over collectors.
British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland – which has a shop in Cowgate, Kirkintilloch – is warning that some good causes which link up with commercial collectors to pick up donations from households are being 'short-changed'.
They can sometimes get as little as three per cent of the profits from the sale of donated items.
A BHF Scotland campaign is urging householders in Kirkintilloch to consider how they make donations of unwanted items to their chosen charity as they could be lining the pockets of commercial collectors who may keep as much as 68 per cent of the income.
At a time when charity shop stock donations are at an all-time low and the international price for second-hand textiles is at an all-time high, BHF Scotland says householders must be given clear information from collectors about where exactly the proceeds of their goods are going.
More than a third (36 per cent) of householders surveyed by BHF Scotland did not realise there is an issue around commercial household 'charity' collections of clothing and unwanted items.
Jane Flannery, regional manager for BHF Scotland Shops, said: "We are urging donors to be more aware of the fact that all the proceeds from their donations may not go directly to their chosen charity.
"BHF Scotland shops carry out doorstep collections, using clearly identified vans and drivers, and 100 per cent of the proceeds stay with the charity.
"We urgently need your donations of good-quality clothes, shoes, handbags, bric-a-brac, CDs, DVDs and books to help us continue the fight against heart disease in Scotland."
Jane added: "Although doorstep collections are a legal way to raise money, too often charities are being short-changed.
"Householders need clear information on collection bags about how much profit the charity will actually make from this collection. Charities must also make sure they negotiate a fair deal if they use commercial collectors to ensure the public are not being misled."
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Weather for Kirkintilloch
Thursday 24 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 6 mph
Wind direction: North east
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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