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With Kiwis sorting and clearing out clutter or past seasons’ wardrobes, op shops are reminding people about the donations they accept.
Totara Hospice recently opened up its new Takanini store after a fire destroyed its Great South Road premises in August. Most of its stock was lost, the distribution centre suffered fire damage, and the store had smoke damage.
Totara Hospice general manager – revenue generation, Hayley Colmore-Williams, said they were able to open a new store on December 1, just down the road from where the original retail store was, which was fortunate as it meant keeping many of their loyal customers.
“Our first week of trading was very successful; people were really looking forward to us opening. We got a lot of amazing donations, which we were able to store and put together and set up that new store, in just a few months after the fire.”
Colmore-Williams said that while they are grateful for donations, there are some things they cannot accept.
“We’re always grateful for the generosity of our community and appreciate donors helping us by ensuring items are clean, safe, and in good condition before donating,” said Colmore-William.
These include items that require safety certifications, or are considered unhygienic, such as:
- Helmets and baby car seats. Helmets are refused because they cannot be easily tested for any structural defects. Baby seats, strollers, and high chairs can also be rejected on the chance that they many to meet current New Zealand safety standards.
- Mouldy or damp items. This could include unwashed clothing, or used socks, underwear or sleepware for hygiene reasons.
- Electrical goods that are dirty, greasy, not fully functional, or unable to pass electrical safety testing.
- Electric blankets. Depending on how old the blanket is, the wires inside may pose a fire hazard.
- Plastic fan heaters that do not have safety cut-off switches.
- Stained mattresses, that may be stained with bodily fluids such as semen or blood, or other harmful, dangerous substances.
- Furniture affected by borer beetles, which may weaken the structural integrity of items.
- Mobile baby beds or cots that are missing parts. These run the risk of being structurally unsafe, potentially causing serious harm or death to babies or toddlers.
- LPG 9 kg gas bottles and other gas appliances are rejected for safety reasons.
- Clothing with visible sweat stains, strong body odour, or mould.
It is important to note that while the majority of op shops may not take used socks and underwear, some may, depending on their condition and if those donating them have properly washed them.
