Recycle your unwanted gifts with Barnardo’s
IF Santa brought you a coffee maker and you only drink tea or a hairdryer and you’re follicly challenged then Barnardo’s Cymru want to hear from you.
The children’s charity is calling on people to donate their unsuitable Christmas gifts to their local Barnardo’s Cymru shop where they can be sold to raise funds to help vulnerable children across Wales.
The money will be used to help disadvantaged children, young people and families, including those who are living in poverty, who are disabled or who have been sexually exploited.
It is estimated that more than £2.4billion worth of gifts given at Christmas are deemed unsuitable, with a third of those ending up gathering dust in the back of a cupboard.
David Howells, Area Business Manager for Barnardo’s Cymru, said: “Our stores are dependent upon the public’s kind donations. Our profits go directly into our work with some of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
“If you receive a gift at Christmas that you know you won’t use then please think of Barnardo’s Cymru. Your unsuitable gift could be enjoyed by someone else whilst benefiting the children who need help most.”
Barnardo’s has 715 shops nationwide. Shoppers can buy collectibles, household goods, toys, children’s clothes, books and accessories as well as men’s and ladies’ fashions
Barnardo’s is also calling on people to make a New Year’s resolution and help turn young people’s lives around by volunteering with the charity.
Volunteering is open to people of all ages and abilities who would like to donate their time in 2018.
Volunteers at Barnardo’s Cymru shops carry out a variety of roles including sorting stock, serving customers and creating inspirational window displays. It’s the window displays which Aimee Bridgeman, the charity’s Young Volunteer of the Year likes doing best.
Aimee, 20, has a heart condition and began volunteering at one of the charity’s shops four years ago when she left school. She continued while a student and now works there three days a week.
“Barnardo’s has brought me out of my shell, it has given me confidence and I’ve met so many wonderful people. I’ve made friends for life,” said Aimee.
Dave Howells commented: “Volunteering is really good fun, a way to get out of the house and socialise and is very rewarding. It can also be a stepping stone to a new career and help you gain the skills needed for a new role or job.”
All Barnardo’s volunteers are given full training and ongoing support. If you’re interested in volunteering then call into your local Barnardo’s Cymru shop or visit www.barnardos.org.uk.