Trading Standards Officers are expressing concern that
carefully worded leaflets currently being pushed through letter
boxes alongside collection bags asking for donations may be from a
commercial business rather than a charity.
The leaflet asks residents to fill the bag with books, shoes,
kitchen appliances, garden tools, board games, unwanted electronic
goods and left over foreign currency. Although the leaflet goes on
to state that the organisation focuses on putting unwanted goods
back into society through worldwide re-distribution, this may not
be the case.
Our Trading Standards Officers say in many cases the donated items
never reach third world countries and little or no cash is given to
charity.
The goods are often taken to a warehouse where the better quality
items are picked out and sold at markets across the country for
profit, Trading Standards Officers have warned. The remaining items
are usually destroyed.
Under the House to House Collections Act, charities, including
those with an exemption from the Home Office, must register or
notify the council before organising a collection of goods.
To check whether a charity is registered to make collections,
contact the Licensing Section of North Somerset Council on 01275
884 373.
To find out whether an organisation is registered as a charity,
check on the Charity Commission
website.
Residents are reminded that although these collections may be a
good way to dispose of unwanted items, the companies involved are
actually commercial enterprises where the chances of any
significant amount being donated to any charity is minimal.
To be certain that your donation will directly help a charity –
seek out a local contact and deal with them.
Requests from legitimate charities will show prominent and
recognisable names together with a ‘Charity Number’ - checkable
with the Charity Commission on 0845 3000 218 or on line at
www.charitycommission.gov.uk.
If people can avoid being duped by these bogus collectors, genuine
charities can only benefit.