Ecologia Youth Trust encouraging community to declutter and donate on Giving Tuesday

A FINDHORN-based charity is appealing for donations of unwanted books, CDs, games or DVDs.

In support of global fundraising day 'Giving Tuesday' on May 5, VirginMoneyGiving has offered a challenge to the nation to de-clutter and donate to local charities - and the Ecologia Youth Trust, who provide marginalised young people and children with the resources to shape their own future, is encouraging local people to take part.

Ecologia international projects director Liza Hollingshead explained its projects in Uganda and Kenya support children living with HIV/AIDS, in poverty or with no safe place to call home where, as a result of coronavirus, prices have rocketed and a litre of disinfectant now costs £15.

She said: "Our African projects and the children they look after are in great need of our support, never more than now.

"We are excited to have this opportunity to raise funds at a time when our usual fundraising events are curtailed. It's also a wonderful opportunity for people to have the satisfaction of a big clear out."

The 'Declutter and Donate' innovative provides a sustainable way to fundraise. Participants are required to visit https://bit.ly/DeclutterAndDonate and download the Ziffit App onto smartphones, scan the barcode number of each item they want to donate and get an instant value.

They then pack the items in a box and a courier collects them from their homes. The value of the items is then donated to their chosen charity.

Liza said: "We are always grateful for the help to fund our vital support to children and young people who have problems integrating into society, have been abandoned, orphaned, or made vulnerable by poverty and disease.

"Money raised from this event will enable these children to realise their potential and live healthier, happier and more meaningful lives."

For more information visit https://www.ecologia.org.uk/