Island's Biggest Recycling Event Raises Thousands for Charity

The Rotary Club of Shanklin recently held its most successful ten day charity sale to date, raising over £37,000 for worthwhile causes.

Held at Park Resorts holiday centre, Lower Hyde, Shanklin, the sale found new homes for thousands of unwanted household items, books and clothes donated by generous Islanders. Proceeds from the sale went to Shanklin Rotary’s chosen charities, two thirds of which are based on the Island. Most of the items left over from the sale were given to charities such as the Red Cross who took clothes, shoes and coats. The remaining books, white elephant items, music, furniture, etc went to a number of smaller Island charities.

The Isle of Wight Council fully supports the event, recycling and waste minimisation officer Laura Kay commented: "The ten day sale has prevented many unwanted household items being thrown away and ultimately ending up in landfill. Sales like these not only save landfill space but avoid the need for valuable raw materials and energy to be used. Because materials and products are being re-used, waste handling costs and disposal costs are reduced and additional income is generated for charities and other social groups."

Barry Reeves from Shanklin Rotary Club said: "We believe that we make a difference to the community in both recycling and to enable the less well off to furnish homes with all they need. We would like to thank all those who made the event such a success by donating items, volunteering their time or coming along to support the ten day sale."