Retailer’s Play It Forward recycling will raise money for Barnardo’s charity
Value stationery and book retailer The Works has launched a takeback scheme to raise money for the Barnardo’s children’s charity by recycling stationery, toys and games.
The Play It Forward scheme allows people to donate pre-loved items – and new ones if they wish – to help children in need, and the partnership starts this month following a successful trial in 2024.
The call-out is for stationery, books, games and jigsaws in good, reusable condition which can be dropped off at the designated donation bins inside 466 selected The Works stores across the UK.
The Works’ chief commercial officer Lynne Tooms said: “We strive to give back to our communities that we are part of, so we’re really proud to be partnering with Barnardo’s this year and help out in essential fundraising.
“Minimising waste and conserving resources are central principles of our environmental commitments. Providing new homes for pre-loved items through circular initiatives such as the Barnardo’s Play It Forward scheme not only fulfils these commitments but also enables us to achieve significant carbon emissions savings by extending the lifetime of pre-loved products, while generating vital funds to support Barnardo’s essential operations.”
Barnardo’s will collect the products and resell them in its charity shops to raise funds to help young people, children, parents and carers across the UK. Any products donated not in a resalable condition will be recycled preventing items ending up in landfill and supporting The Works’ wider commitment to reduce carbon footprint.
“All of the items donated will be resold in Barnardo’s shops to raise vital income for the children and young people in need. This great partnership also fits in with our sustainability goals by reusing materials, preserving resources for future generations,” added the charity’s sustainability manager Abigail Birtles.
