Charities are asking the public to hold off on donations to clothing bins like these. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Charity collection bins becoming dumping grounds during pandemic

Apr 18, 2020 | 8:00 AM

Diabetes Canada is urging the public to hold off on their clothing bin donations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Due to restrictions on non-essential services imposed by the government and physical distancing orders, Diabetes Canada stopped the pick-up of items from homes and donation bins on March 23. But as people find themselves with more time on their hands for spring cleaning and organizing, some of the bins across the country are overflowing and becoming a dumping ground for well-meaning citizens.

“Anything left out beside a bin already overflowing just becomes soiled and garbage so it’s somewhat ironic and tragic that people’s good intentions end up going to the garbage dump and actually end up costing people money rather than generating money for charity,” Sean Shannon, president and CEO of National Diabetes Trust said. The clothing donation organization supports Diabetes Canada.

Shannon said they also issued a plea to the country’s mayors and municipal staff to help clear garbage and soiled textiles from bin sites in their community. In the meantime, the public is being asked to hold off on their bin donations until business resumes.

“It’s an important piece of Diabetes Canada’s revenue. We collect annually across the country about 100-million pounds of donated clothing and small household items which stays out of the landfills and is monetized and for Diabetes Canada alone that represents about $5 million,” Shannon said.

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A sign on a Diabetes Canada clothing bin in Prince Albert asks the public to hold off on donating items. (file photo/paNOW Staff)

Value Village, which helps non-profit organizations by purchasing their donated goods, is also closed to public drop-offs.

A message from CEO Mark Walsh on the thrift retailer’s website said, “If you’re using this time inside to declutter, we recommend holding on to your donations of clothing and household goods until we reopen and are able to accept them on behalf of our non-profit partners.”

The Salvation Army Thrift Store in Prince Albert is closed to the public, but an employee told paNOW donations can still be made between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. during the week.

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow