CHARITY’S PLEA TO STOP DUMPING RUBBISH

A MOUNTAIN of bagged rotting fruit and vegetables, lawn clippings and wet clothes was what hard- working Vinnies staff and volunteers were confronted with as they returned to their Kingston shop after Christmas.

Southern regional manager Maree Cole said volunteers were unable to access the door because of the amount of items piled high in front of the Westside Circle store on December 29.

“It's disappointing and disheartening for our staff and volunteers to deal with this kind of behaviour,” she said.

“My understanding is it took warehouse staff and volunteers a day to clear it out.”

She said an additional truck had to be brought in to assist with the cleanup, with about seven tonnes of waste disposed of by the end of the day.

“Our wonderful volunteers, in particular in the warehouse and shops, do extra hours to deal with the extra dumping of goods,” she said.

“It’s incredible to think that people would do this to a charity. You donate to us and we do our best to help people — we need to sell these items in our shops to raise funds for people in need.”

Ms Cole said they tried their best to have op shops open at convenient hours so that donations could be made in- person.

“If we’re not open, it won’t be long until we open our doors again,” she said.

“We constantly try to communicate when we’re open to give people the opportunity to bring their donations in. We like to thank people personally when they come into the shop.

“We’re so thankful for people’s support but it’s important to give some thought to what you’re donating. Is this something you should give to someone in need or donate to shops to raise revenue?

“If you wouldn’t give it to a family member or a friend, you might need to reconsider.”