Is the pretty pink girly polka dot dress from Nanna not quite your thing? Does the faux purple snakeskin handbag from your mother-in-law make you cringe? Or perhaps your well meaning auntie once again purchased all your gifts two sizes too small? As most of us know only too well, not all gifts will have hit the mark this year – which is why Red Cross is urging all Australians to re-gift their unwanted presents to one of their Red Cross recycle stores.
A survey recently commissioned by consumer advocacy group CHOICE found around 21 percent of festive season gifts would not live up to expectations. Many also said they would be likely to throw out or stash unwanted gifts in the back of a cupboard.
“Red Cross retail stores are dependant on donations of clothing, bric-a-brac and homewares and we are currently in desperate need of quality donations for the New Year,” said Olivia Cozzolino, Red Cross General Manager of Merchandise.
“A donation of quality clean saleable goods to a Red Cross store works in a similar way to a donation of cash as we able to use the profits from sales to fund our humanitairan work to improve the lives of vulnerable people both in Australia and overseas.”
“We also find that at this time of year, people tend to do a bit of a clean out to fit in all their new gifts and purchases. So it’s the perfect time of year to remind people to donate any of those hidden treasures that have been stashed in the back of the wardrobe,” she said.
Donations can be delivered to any Red Cross store during opening hours. Unfortunately, the stores cannot accept donations of electrical items or mattresses and ask people not to dump rubbish or leave large items outside the store. The general rule of thumb is, if you think that an item is something that you might possibly still buy yourself, then it’s okay. If not, then it’s probably rubbish and should be dispposed of responsibly. If you are unsure which items can be donated phone 1800 339 888 for advice.
“The added bonus of visiting a store during opening hours is that you may find yourself picking up a bargain or two from our range of new and recycled quality clothing, accessories, footwear and bric-a-brac,” said Olivia.
So don’t ditch your unwanted goods – if they’re still in good nick, re-gift them to Red Cross Stores.
For more info or the location of your nearest Red Cross store, visit http://www.redcross.org.au
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