St Luke’s Hospice has expressed disappointment and anger after being swamped with fly-tipped items behind and in front of its Kingsbury store for the second time in a month.
The charity, which provides free expert end of life care for people in Harrow and Brent, is now appealing to people not to leave their unwanted goods outside any of its 18 shops.
Donations left outside charity shops by people having clear-outs during lockdown is costing the charity vital money. St Luke’s Hospice Head of Retail, Greg Jones explains: “Our shops rely heavily on the public’s support. While the majority of donors are doing the right thing, a minority are creating an extra expense for St Luke’s, as we are forced to remove the bags and dispose of the items. It is not right that we are spending time clearing the area at the cost of someone’s treatment in their home or at the hospice.
Costs spent removing fly-tipping from the shops has already amounted to over £1,000, directly impacting the services they could provide to those most in need. The charity was already grappling with a £1m funding gap arising from the lockdown, which forced all shops to close and fundraising events cancelled.
Greg continued: “Not only is it an eyesore, our staff and volunteers should not have to deal with clearing up items that have subsequently been urinated on. We are urging those wishing to make a donation to bring them to our Warehouse, however, if you are unable to wait, we kindly ask that you to visit your local tip.”
Leaving items outside is considered to be fly tipping and if caught could be faced with a fine.
