Charity sales boom as nation tightens its festive belt

[A THIRD OF BRITONS have said they have adjusted their Christmas shopping plans by shopping with charity retailers – many as a result of the rising cost of living.

That’s according to a survey of 2,010 people conducted by Censuswide for the British Heart Foundation (BHF). That figure rose to 46% of respondents aged 16-24. Second-hand books (26%), toys (20%) and clothes (17%) were among the top of the list of gifts that they will buy.

As many said they were motivated to buy their Christmas presents from charity retailers to help fund a good cause (37%) as to save money (34%). Other motivations were to find unexpected treasures (22%) and to be more sustainable and environmentally friendly (21%).

Allison Swaine-Hughes, BHF’s retail director, commented: “We know this festive season is going to be tougher for many families across the UK – and this survey shows that due to the rising cost of living, the need to make our money go further is even greater.

“By shopping with the BHF, you’ll also be giving the gift that keeps on living, by helping to fund our lifesaving research. You’ll find affordable treasures for your loved ones and it’s a great sustainable solution, too.” The results of the survey confirmed the message of the Charity Retail Association as it launched its annual #GoodCauseSantaClaus campaign to encourage festive shoppers to purchase from charity shops and to help spread the word about the wonders of pre-loved. The association said: “The popularity of second-hand is booming as people embrace the fun of finding pre-loved treasures and the satisfaction of benefiting a charity and the environment. Buying from charity shops reduces the volume of new items that need to be produced and shipped around the world as well as minimising waste by giving items a second – maybe even a third – life.”

The association produces a range of downloads for charities to push the message of buying from their shops at www.charityretail. org.uk/good-cause-santa-claus-2022. q

Another month facing a £40,000 vet bill

[OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS Hope Rescue in South Wales have consistently faced extraordinarily high vet bills due to the number of very poorly dogs entering their care, many of which require ongoing investigations, treatments and surgeries.

Unfortunately, this is a pattern likely to continue and the charity’s outgoings are set to rise due to the constant influx of abandoned and stray dogs coming through their doors – as well as trying their hardest to help owners who can no longer care for their dogs. Not to mention the increasingly high numbers of dogs seized from illegal and low welfare breeders.

Hope’s initial fundraising appeals often only cover a fraction of the total costs incurred in nursing dogs through to recovery. Ensuring each individual dog gets the very best vet treatment – which is often not the cheapest option – will always remain a priority for the team at Hope.

Supporting this charity through promoting gifts in wills will help them to plan and will be the reason they can continue to say ‘yes’ to vulnerable dogs and their owners. q • Find out more about Hope Rescue at www.hoperescue.org.uk or get in touch enquiries@hoperescue.org.uk

The range of charities which depend on legacies to carry out their valuable work is a broad one. Those that are represented in this publication are listed below, grouped according to the area of activity in which they operate.

INDEX

ANIMAL WELFARE

Friends of the Animals 4/5 Oak Tree Animals’ Charity 8 The Devon Horse and Pony Sanctuary 8 Three Counties Dog Rescue 9 The Suffolk Owl Sanctuary 12 The Pit Pony Sanctuary 12 Hessilhead Wildlife Rescue 13 Environmental Investigation Agency 22 Tiggywinkles 24 Catholic Concern for Animals 24 The New European Distressed Donkey Initiative Ltd 25 Humane Slaughter Association 26 Universities Federation for Animal Welfare 27 Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home 28 Last Chance Animal Rescue 28 The Suffolk Punch Trust 29 Wales Ape & Monkey Sanctuary 38 The Horse Rescue Fund 39 Paws2Rescue 40 British Chelonia Group 41 Shire Horse Society 41 The Fox Project 42/43 Heartbeat Home for Horses 44 Wild Futures 44 Pet Rescue Welfare Association 45 Hope Rescue 46

MEDICAL RESEARCH

Prostate Cancer Research 1 Cancer Prevention Research Trust 2 CLEFT 14 Royal College of Surgeons of England 15 The National Brain Appeal 16/17 MS Society 20/21 Heratburn Cancer UK 32/33 Pain Relief Foundation 35 Caring Cancer Trust 36/37 FRAME 48

CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Parenting Together 18 Hypo Hounds 31 Kidney Kids Scotland 34

Blood Pressure UK 2 The Respite Association 6 National Federation of the Blind of the United Kingdom 19 Dementia Forward 30 The Partially Sighted Society 34

HEALTH & DISABILITY

ECOLOGY

British Ecological Society 10/11

OVERSEAS AID

ZANE: Zimbabwe A National Emergency 14