The centre:mk shopping centre in Milton Keynes has highlighted a number of charities and initiatives where people can re-gift unwanted presents this Christmas and holiday season.
When it comes to receiving gifts, in a recent survey carried out by centre:mk, over half (52%) of people already knew what gifts they would be receiving this Christmas, with 62% wanting to receive gifts that they really needed this year. Dropping hints or even asking for the gift in question were popular tactics to make sure that the right gift is received. However, 42% of Brits still love getting a surprise gift, leaving it up to the gift giver to choose something for them. The art of surprise gifting can be quite tricky and very often, it can go horribly wrong, with many people opening up disappointing presents on Christmas day that 22% of us then end up donating to a raffle or giving them away to charity.
To make sure any unwanted gifts get a good home, the centre:mk thought it would highlight some of the charities and organisations where they would be gratefully received.
Local charities include Willen Hospice, who have 14 charity shops in Milton Keynes and the surrounding area where donated items can be re-sold. Anothre includes Banardo's Community Fundraising have a charity shop in Oxley Park, where proceeds from donations help support vulnerable children. If you have been gifted a book, then Milton Keynes Libraries always appreciate donations too.
Kevin Duffy, centre:mk Director said "We've all been there on Christmas morning, when you open a gift that is something you would never use or wear, and you're too polite to tell the person who gave you that gift what you really think of it. Instead of tucking it away in a cupboard, there are some amazing charities in Milton Keynes who would be delighted with a donation instead."
Over 390 much wanted gifts were donated this year through the centre:mk Giving Tree, in conjunction with Leighton Buzzard based charity KidsOut, supporting children living in refuge, most of whom have escaped serious domestic violence. Without the kind donations from centre:mk shoppers, they would have received nothing this Christmas. The scheme worked by visitors collecting a decorative gift tag from the Giving tree featuring a child's first name, age and ideal gift which was then purchased and handed back to the Guest services team. All of these gifts were then distributed to refuges nationally, where they are wrapped ready for Christmas day.
For more information about KidsOut charity please go to http://www.kidsout.org.uk/who-we-are
No comments:
Post a Comment