This January, Cleveland Fire Brigade is encouraging its communities to take part in a national recycling championship to raise much needed funds for a charity close to its heart.
The Fire Fighter’s Charity’s (FFC) “bag it and bank it” scheme, hopes to raise £100,000 nationally throughout January though the donation of items including old clothes, shoes, bags and linen which can be deposited at the Brigade’s various clothing banks.
The funds raised from the donated goods contribute towards the vital work of the FFC which provides specialist, lifelong support for members of the UK fire services community, helping individuals and families to live happier and healthier lives.
Between April and September 2023 around 27,817kg of clothing was donated across the Cleveland Fire Brigade area and resulted in raising an incredible £6120 for the charity.
Items that can be bagged and taken to the banks include adult and children’s clothing, paired shoes, handbags and linen but not general bric-a-brac.
Wearable clothing is re-used, usually sold in under-developed countries and any unusable items are recycled for car upholstery, industrial wipes or used in the production of many other products.
Dave Gormley, Cleveland Fire Brigade’s FFC’s service coordinator said: “Your unwanted clothing will make a huge difference to so many people and help provide much needed funds to allow the FFC to continue to provide valuable support for all serving and retired fire service staff, firefighters and their families.
Following an additional six clothing recycling banks added to sites across Cleveland last year, people can now donate at the following Fire Stations; Coulby Newham, Grangetown, Guisborough, Headland, Loftus, Middlesbrough, Redcar, Skelton, Stockton, Thornaby, Yarm and also at the Brigade’s Headquarters at Queens Meadow Business Park, Hartlepool.
Donations are accepted at the recycling banks 365 days a year, 24 hours a day.
