Charity launches declutter challenge

The British Heart Foundation urges members of the public to declutter and donate this September.

The UK charity retailer says people can take part by donating quality preloved and unwanted items to one of its 712 shops. Every item donated helps the organisation to fund life saving science. 

The BHF has a range of free solutions to help people donate their preloved treasures. Members of the public can drop items to a shop, book a free collection, or send direct via free post.

Regional Retail Director at British Heart Foundation, Louise Harbour said: “Charity shops are the perfect sustainable solution for those looking to have a clear out. So why not take on our Declutter Challenge and donate to the British Heart Foundation this September.  

“We are in desperate need of clothing, jewellery, toys, books and vinyl, as well as larger items such a sofas, furniture, homeware and electrical items.  

“Donating to the British Heart Foundation couldn’t be easier. Simply drop your items to one of our 712 shops and stores, send them straight to us via our free post donation service, or arrange a free covid-secure collection. 

“All money raised from the sale of preloved items funds life saving science and supports the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases. Your donations can help us, help them.” 

The charity hopes to receive good quality items that the public have been clearing out while at home during the covid-19 pandemic. BHF says every item sold will be turned into funds for life saving science and saved from going to waste. 

This year the charity aims to save around 71,000 tonnes of goods from going to waste. It will do this by selling over half a million pieces of living room furniture, including 250,000 sofas, and 14,000 tonnes of preloved clothes.

In one year, through the reuse and recycling of donated items the BHF say they will help prevent 135,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions being released into the atmosphere. 

The charity encourages the public to keep donating and shopping as it seeks to recover the income needed to maintain the pace of progress in saving and improving the lives of those living with heart and circulatory diseases. The shops are particularly keen to receive winter wear to sell throughout the coming season.

BHF say just £16 worth of donations can support an early career scientist in carrying out an hour’s research and £25 gives a researcher an hour’s access to equipment. £100 worth of donations would fund a DNA extraction kit to identify genes linked to heart and circulatory diseases. 

To join the Declutter challenge and donate, visit www.bhf.org.uk/declutter