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'Charity' clothing collections

There are leaflets circulating requesting clothing for distribution to third world countries.

A coordinator in Handforth received one such leaflet and decided to do a quick search on the internet to find out more information about the company. The net revealed that the company are known to be collecting for commercial operations and are not a registered charity.

Trading Standards have confirmed that they are aware of companies collecting for commercial not charitable reasons in Cheshire and give the following advice:

If you have items you want give away, make sure it's to reputable charities or local good causes. Any collection by or on behalf of a genuine charity should include their full name, address and registered charity number on any literature they distribute

If you are in doubt contact the Charity Commission helpline on 0845 300 0218 to check whether the collection is for, or on behalf of, a registered charity. The register of charities can be viewed online at www.charitycommission.gov.ukExternal link

If an advertisement is misleading you can complain to the Advertising Standards Authority.

Contact Local Authority, ie. Macclesfield Borough Council, to see if the collector has been licensed.

Give direct to a local charity shop instead or donate to a charity shop collection sack. These should make clear reference to the charity registration number and many will also carry the Association of Charity Shops Kitemark.

You can get more information from the Consumer DirectExternal link website.

JANE THIRSK
HOMEWATCH MANAGER
CHESHIRE POLICE