WILTSHIRE Air Ambulance (WAA) is asking the public to suggest locations where mini textile recycling banks could be situated.
The charity receives £250 for every tonne of textiles (clothing and shoes) recycled by Devizes Textiles Ltd from the mini textile recycling banks it operates.
Danny Williamson, senior contracts manager at Devizes Textiles Ltd, said: “It would be great to find more locations for mini textile recycling banks so we can raise more money for Wiltshire Air Ambulance. Wiltshire Air Ambulance is a valuable service and saves so many lives.
“We need help to identify possible sites in Wiltshire for more mini textile recycling banks. Textile recycling is an easy way to raise money as well as recycling and reducing waste. Sites could be at shopping centres, supermarkets, businesses, village halls, schools or pubs.”
Devizes Textiles began raising money for WAA in 2009 with half a dozen mini textile recycling banks. Over the years the number of banks has grown steadily and there are now 80.
Cheryl Johnson, Head of Fundraising and Communications at WAA, said: “Textile recycling is a really worthwhile initiative and the money the charity receives from the mini textile recycling banks provides a regular income.
“Since we started operating as a stand-alone air ambulance in January this year it costs £2.5 million a year to keep our helicopter flying. The mini textile recycling banks operated by Devizes Textiles Ltd have proven to be popular and if we can increase the number of banks it would help raise more money for our lifesaving service.
“If people have suggestions for easily accessible sites for a mini textile recycling bank where they live, shop or work, then Devizes Textiles Ltd would love to hear from them. If another charity’s textile bank is already on site, then it’s usually not possible to house another charity collection bank on the same site.”
To suggest a possible location for a mini textile recycling bank please email info@devizestextiles.com
or call Devizes Textiles Ltd on 01380 724451
For more information about textile recycling and locations of existing textile recycling banks go to www.wiltshireairambulance.co.uk/support-us/textile-recycling