Charity begins at home

Wednesday 15 February 2012

With textile prices recently reported to be at an all time high charity shops can be missing out on all important donations due to companies exporting unwanted clothes to foreign countries.

A Welsh charity is appealing for local householders to give their clothing donations directly for the benefit of children in Wales rather than to doorstep collectors or ‘cash for clothes’ companies, who export the clothing abroad and give pitifully small donations to charities.

Tŷ Hafan the family hospice for young lives is calling on local residents in Wales to urgently take their unwanted clothing and household items to their nearest Tŷ Hafan shop.

 “Tŷ Hafan relies entirely on the generosity of local people in bringing their donations to the shops” explained Justin Horton, the charity’s Retail General Manager, “but we’re seeing fewer donations coming in each week and that’s a real threat to our ability to raise money for life limited children, young people and their families in Wales”.

Mr Horton added “many people don’t realise that giving their items to these doorstep companies results in the items being exported directly to foreign countries. By taking  items directly to a Tŷ Hafan shop, the people of Wales can be assured that not only will we obtain the best possible amount of money for their donated goods by selling them in the shops, but local people suffering from the effects of the economy will benefit from buying them at their local shop for a surprisingly low price.”

“Many of the doorstep collection bags that are being delivered by textile recycling companies state that a donation will be given to the charity advertised on the bags. In some cases it is thought that charities receive as little as 50p for each kilo of clothing donated by members of the public.

“All money raised by the Tŷ Hafan’s 20 shops make a contribution towards helping to provide comfort care and support for life-limited children, young people and their families from across Wales”.

You can find your nearest Tŷ Hafan shop by visiting www.tyhafan.org

Donations can also be taken to Tŷ Hafan’s donation station which is located at the Tŷ Verlon Industrial Estate in Barry.