The Tauranga branch of the New Zealand Red Cross is calling on the community to donate preloved curtains, as its curtain bank faces a shortage.
Branch president Rick Hopcroft said the initiative, which provides warm curtains to vulnerable households across the Western Bay of Plenty, relies heavily on public generosity.
“The Red Cross Tauranga curtain bank needs more curtain donations,” he said. “The curtain bank relies on donations from the public and local businesses, and right now our supply is running low.”
The curtain bank plays a vital role in helping families stay warm and healthy during colder months. Donated curtains are cleaned, repaired, resized and relined by a dedicated team of volunteers before being distributed to those in need.
“A small but dedicated team of volunteers generously contribute their time and skills to repair, cut to size, and reline donated curtains, or make new warm curtains,” Hopcroft said.
“These are then given to people in need in the Western Bay of Plenty.”
Red Cross Curtain Bank volunteer Dot Hodgson. Photo / Kelly O’Hara
Hopcroft said donating unused curtains is a simple way to make a meaningful difference.
“If you have preloved or unused curtains that are in good condition, donating them to our curtain bank is a great way to make sure they find a new home with a family or individual that really needs them.”
The team is particularly seeking long curtains. Donations should be clean, dry, free of mould, and without holes. Thermally lined curtains are preferred, though good-quality unlined curtains are also accepted. Items such as roman blinds, net curtains and curtain tracks cannot be accepted.
Curtains can be dropped off at the Red Cross Western Bay of Plenty Service Centre at 245 Chadwick Rd, Greerton, or at Red Cross shops at 199 Chadwick Rd and 272 Maunganui Rd during opening hours.
“Make sure to let the team know they’re a donation for the curtain bank,” Hopcroft said.
For those with questions about donating curtains, email: midland.area@redcross.org.nz or call 0800 Red Cross (0800 733 27677).