Salvation Army charity shops in Ryde and Shanklin are appealing to locals to budget a little for good causes and uncover ‘treasure trove of gift potential’ in their Christmas Charity Shop Challenge.
Christmas is a time for giving and a recent poll by the Salvation Army Trading Company Ltd has revealed that giving presents ranks as one of the highest reasons we get into the festive spirit. But as much as we love to give at Christmas time, on average, we each receive three presents we don’t actually want. Worse still, almost half of us actually leave these unwanted gifts to gather dust in the back of a cupboard.
The survey of 2000 consumers from across the UK also revealed that in the South East we each expect to spend over £240 on gifts and Christmas outfits this year. Area Manger for Salvation Army Trading Company, Sally Walters commented:
“It’s astonishing to find out that we spend so much at Christmas when so many people receive gifts they don’t actually want. For a population of over 60 million in the UK, that’s potentially millions of wasted presents as well as millions of wasted pounds!”
“This is why we’re launching our Christmas Charity Shop Challenge in Ryde and Shanklin. Our charity shops are treasure troves for gift potential – Christmas jumpers or once-worn dresses, books and DVD box sets, vintage jewellery. The beauty is uncovering a real gem or a bargain and knowing your money is going towards a good cause that’s desperately in need of your support.”
The charity, which runs 200 shops across the UK, is challenging people to spend just a little of their Christmas budget in charity shops to help make a big difference to those in need. Shoppers are encouraged to ditch their habits and venture into their nearest charity shops, find or donate some treasures and upload photos online at www.salvationarmytrading.org/charitychallenge or by using #MyCharityChallenge.
Profit that the Salvation Army Trading Company receives through the sale of generous donations from the British public is given to the charity to help people who are vulnerable and in need across the UK. This includes homelessness and addiction services, care for older people, help at emergency incidents, support for adult victims of human trafficking in England and Wales and a Family Tracing Service.
To take part in the Christmas Charity Shop Challenge, visit www.salvationarmytrading.org/charitychallenge for details.
