Town of Cambridge councillor Jane Powell and Town officer Sarah Gould with Vinnies and Anglicare staff at the drop off day.
Camera IconTown of Cambridge councillor Jane Powell and Town officer Sarah Gould with Vinnies and Anglicare staff at the drop off day. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Town of Cambridge charity drop off day a massive success

Julian WrightWestern Suburbs Weekly

RESIDENTS demonstrated their generosity with about 8.7 tonnes of donated items brought to the Town of Cambridge’s first charity drop off day.

The local government held the first of many planned charity drop off days after the council voted in May to ban charity bins from public land after complaints they were an eyesore with people dumping unwanted items.

Drop off days were inspired by City of Joondalup, which held its second in February this year.

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Cambridge chief executive Jason Buckley said more than 400 cars came through the administration car park on Saturday, June 11.

“As this was our first charity drop-off day we weren’t sure what quantities we would collect,” he said.

“Based on the City of Joondalup collecting approximately 10 tonnes on their second collection day we were hoping to collect around five tonnes.

“The 8.7 tonnes achieved was a very pleasing result.”

Mr Buckley said five charities took part in the day, providing their own trucks.

“Residents dropping off items were asked if they had a preference of charity and, if they didn’t, staff shared the donations between the charities,” he said.

“The amount each charity received was dependent on the size of their truck with all trucks, except Good Sammys, full at the end of the day.

“The reason the Good Sammys truck wasn’t full is because they left at noon.”

Mayor Keri Shannon voiced her objection to the idea of the Town taking on the cost for a drop off day.

Mr Buckley said the day cost about $6000 but it was anticipated future events would cost less by re-using advertising banners and signs.

“We are looking to hold further charity drop-off days although no firm dates have been set as yet,” he said.

“We are also proposing to provide a donation station at the upcoming Garage Sale Trail event to be held at Lake Monger Reserve in October.”

Councillor Rod Bradley praised the work charities do, but believed donation bins should not be outside of residents’ homes.

“(The bins) need to be properly managed and monitored,” he said.

How much did each charity get?

Vinnies – 3.1 tonnes

Salvos – 2.2 tonnes

Anglicare – 2 tonnes

Spine and Limb Foundation – 935kg

Good Sammys – 443 kg