Lockdown has devastated the charity retail sector
An urgent appeal to retailers and businesses to donate excess stock has been made by the British Heart Foundation (BHF).
This year has been the hardest in the charity’s 60-year history with the covid crisis having a devastating impact on income, cutting research funding in half and putting future life saving discoveries at risk.
The charity is now urgently appealing for any good quality assets or stock to help raise vital funds.
BHF’s 730 shops nationwide are temporarily closed, which is why the charity retailer is appealing for donated end of line or surplus stock from businesses across retail, manufacturing, technology and others to sell online and in-store once they can reopen.
While the pandemic has had a clear impact on the UK’s high streets, BHF says it has innovated quickly to find new ways to trade, committing to selling anything of value across its retail estate for the best price possible – from homewares and flatpack furniture to electronics, accessories and fashion.
Even industrial or other items not normally associated with charity shops can be incredibly valuable, so the BHF is urging companies to get in touch to help expand its range.
Karen O’Donoghue, head of retail partnerships at British Heart Foundation, said: “We are acutely aware that this has been a difficult time for businesses and retailers alike. Similarly, at the BHF we have struggled to keep donations at a steady level, as our shops have been closed throughout the lockdowns.
“Companies that are able to support by donating excess stock, or any unwanted resalable items, will not only be helping to raise vital funds for heart research but will also be reducing waste, subsequently adding to their sustainability credentials.
“The last year has been incredibly difficult for our shops but with the help of the public and businesses alike, we can continue to support the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.”
Last year BHF rescued 74,000 tonnes of items that may have gone to waste and prevented 135,000 tonnes of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere.
