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“Give with Care” warns MP
Stockport MP Ann Coffey has surveyed local charity shops in the town about the problem of bogus charity clothing collections. Charity shops such as Help the Aged, Oxfam, British Heart Foundation and Cancer Research confirm that they are affected. Unscrupulous operators deliver leaflets asking for used clothing, and may also steal donations left for collection by genuine charities.
Ann Coffey said: “People give very generously to charity shops in Stockport, and the charities rely on this to raise vital funds for good causes. Household collections are a popular way for charities to collect donations of clothes, etc. People should continue their generous giving, but be wary of bogus collectors who may exploit their generosity for their own gain.”
The Association of Charity Shops estimates that nationally charities lose around £2.5million a year through doorstep theft and people giving clothing to organisations they think are charities but are actually collecting for profit. This is just a tiny fraction of charity shop sales, but of course it still represents a loss to good causes. Legitimate collection bags will show a charity’s registered number.
Lorraine Fantom, Manager of the British Heart Foundation charity shop in Stockport said; “A lot of hard work goes into arranging our household collections. It’s easy pickings for the men in vans who come and take our bags and sell the contents. We always report this to the police.”
Ann Coffey continued: “Charities rely on our continuing support and generosity. But It’s important to know where your donation is going, so if you have any doubts about a leaflet which comes through the door, check them out. If you havn’t heard of a charity before, that’s because it probably isn’t one.”
To check before you give:
· phone the charity or the local shop to find out if a legitimate collection is taking place,
· ring the Charity Commission helpline on 0845 300 0218 or visit their online register of charities at www.charitycommission.gov.uk
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