'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.uk
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 Direct website.
JANE THIRSK
HOMEWATCH MANAGER
CHESHIRE POLICE
