As part of a varied high street, charity shops mean those clothes and items that no longer bring us joy have the chance to bring joy to others, whilst also supporting some important causes.
I recently visited our local Cancer Research UK shop in Kenilworth, following the recent World Cancer Day on 4 February, a day which brings together all people and groups who want to help beat cancer. Cancer is a priority for the Government and survival rates are at a record high. Since 2010 rates of survival from cancer have increased year-on-year. Around 7,000 people are alive today who would not have been had mortality rates stayed the same as then. NHS England has confirmed funding of over £600 million to support delivery of the Cancer Strategy for England, which will overhaul screening programmes, provide new investment in state of the art technology to transform the process of diagnosis, and boost research and innovation. The goal is for 3 out of 4 people to survive cancer by 2034, but the sooner we can get there the better.
There are nearly 600 Cancer Research UK shops across the country, from high streets to out-of-town superstores and in 2017/18 these generated £80 million towards their research, which supports the work of over 4,000 scientists, doctors and nurses, who have played a role in developing 8 out of 10 of the world’s top cancer drugs. Their shops also play an important role serving local communities, acting as hubs to help disseminate health information and information about cancer screening programmes.
So if you are emptying out your wardrobe or cupboard of perfectly good quality clothing and household goods, why not donate them to a charity shop like Cancer Research UK, or to any one of the good causes that run a shop near you. Your hand offs could be a vital source of support for these causes, and continue to bring joy to another owner, instead of adding to landfill.
