Quality not quantity

Social Enterprises general manager Anna Presser said if you would not give it to your best friend, do not give it to Anglicare.

‘We don’t want to sound ungrateful but when you donate something that’s not in good condition, we have to pay tip fees to get rid of it ” so you’re costing us money and actually reducing the amount we can spend on services helping people,’ she said.

Ms Presser said clothing that had stains, was faded, had missing buttons or stuck zips were among donations that were not in good condition.

She said for quality furniture, a few scratches were OK ” but severe fading or buckled surfaces were not.

Anglicare WA analysis shows that 30 per cent of goods currently donated were of high enough quality to re-sell.

Of the rest, 60 per cent was re-used as commercial rags and the other 40 per cent discarded.

Ms Presser attributed the low quality of goods donated to a ‘throw away’ society in which new consumer goods were inexpensive but did not last.

‘These days you can get a new couch for $99 but after two years it’s ‘had it’ and isn’t suitable for resale,’ she said.

‘We want people to see us as the ideal treasure chest to put their treasure in when they no longer need it, not as a free rubbish collection agency.

‘There are ethical shoppers out there who are keen to do the right thing by the environment ” and achieve some great value into the bargain.

‘Just because you can afford to buy new, doesn’t mean you have to do so.’

To arrange to have goods collected by Anglicare WA from the home or office call 6253 3535.