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Charitable Householders Being Ripped Off by Doorstep Collectors

Latest research from the British Heart Foundation reveals that often when we donate items through doorstep collections, less than 5% of the income actually goes to charity.
Finance, Lifestyle - 16 March 2010   Download IconContent available for download:  
Audio | Interview with Debbie Dixon from the British Heart Foundation| Login to Download

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Over a hundred million pounds of goods are donated to charities every year, with an increasing number of items being donated through doorstep collections organised by commercial collection companies rather than registered charities.

A campaign by the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and backed by the The Association of Charity Shops (ACS) shows that in some cases only 4.5% of the income from a doorstep collection actually goes to a charity.

The campaign reveals that although the intention is to donate to a charity, householders may in fact be lining the pockets of a commercial company with up to 60% of the income going to the company rather than the charity.

. Introduction:

We all like to give to charity but sometimes it's not easy to get to a charity shop to make a donation. This is why when a donation bag arrives through the letterbox it can make it so much easier to give unwanted clothes and items to charity. However, a new campaign by the British Heart Foundation and backed by the Association of Charity Shops (ACS) shows that in some cases less than 5% of the income from a doorstep collection actually goes to a charity.

Are well intentioned householders being ripped off by doorstep collectors?

Joining us in the studio is Debbie Dixon from the British Heart Foundation

. Suggested Questions:

What exactly is a commercial collection?

How much money donated to charity in this way in fact goes to commercial companies?

Why has the BHF felt the need to launch this campaign?

What steps are the BHF taking to ensure that donors are made aware of this situation?

What should householders beware of and how can they ensure that what they donate actually goes to a charity?

Where can we find out more information?