St Raphael’s Hospice charity shops featured in The Guardian
The challenges facing charity shops — and why donating responsibly matters.
Our Cheam Village charity shop has been featured in The Guardian, in an article by Fleur Britten exploring the growing pressures facing charity shops across the UK.
Speaking with our Commercial Manager, Caroline Worley, and Cheam shop manager, Colin French, the article shines a light on the challenges behind the scenes, from unsuitable donations to the time and cost involved in disposing of items that cannot be sold.
At St Raphael’s, disposing of unsuitable donations costs around £30,000 each year. That could fund a month of round-the-clock specialist inpatient care.
Every donation, and every sale in our shops, has the potential to make a vital difference. By donating items that are clean, complete and in good condition, you help our charity shops make the most of every contribution, reduce unnecessary waste and raise vital funds for Hospice care.
We’re grateful to Fleur Britten and The Guardian for highlighting the challenges facing charity shops and helping raise awareness of why responsible donating matters.
Thank you to everyone who donates, shops with us and supports our Hospice. Your generosity helps us continue providing vital care and specialist support to patients, carers and those close to them.
Read the full article in The Guardian
Photography: Jill Mead/The Guardian