Waipuna Hospice's six Charity Shops in the Western Bay of Plenty are in dire need of quality donations as winter and the cost of living bites, prompting massive shopper demand.
Business retail manager of the six shops, James Turner, says the shops – at Katikati, Greerton, Tauranga's Fraser St, Mount Maunganui, Papamoa and Te Puke – are needing donations of all kinds.
'Our donations are down 20 per cent right now but shopper demand has also grown by 20 per cent,” says James. 'So we have a 40 per cent shortfall currently,” says James.
'There is really high demand at this time of year because we're caught by not getting donations coming in, but increased demand because the economy is tightening – people are being more cautious about how they spend their money.”
This has seen more shoppers walk through the charity shops' doors to buy quality second-hand items. 'People also want to make sure they are spending responsibly, and not being part of fast fashion.”
James says Waipuna Hospice relies on the money it raises at the charity shops to provide its services to people in the community with life-limiting illnesses.
'Last year Waipuna Hospice's services cost $9.6m to deliver, and while 51 per cent of that came in from our contract with the DHB, $4.7m still had to be raised from the community. Our retail shops help us raise that crucial income, turning secondhand goods into first-class care in our community. 'They are an essential part of our income stream, but they rely on quality donations to make that possible.”
James says people can call 07 281 1755 to book in a donation collection, free of charge. 'We know it can be hard to make it to our shops to donate, which is why we have a free collection service. It makes donating to our shops even easier.
'Simply call the hotline and book a collection time that suits, and we'll come to you. Also, anyone can drop quality goods into our six shops during opening hours.”
James says pretty much everything is in high demand – but standout donations needed are winter clothing and accessories, heating/winter appliances, and household furniture.
To learn more about donating to Waipuna Hospice Charity Shops, visit: https://www.waipunahospice.org.nz/donategoods/