Decluttering raises funds for housing need

May 4, 2020
Habitat for Humanity is today calling for contactless donations of quality used goods it can sell to raise funds for housing need through its ReStore charity shops. 

The housing charity ensures vital housing support for families, and Habitat Auckland Chief Executive Conrad Lapointe said ReStore earnings were needed to support its home repair, progressive home ownership and rental programmes. 

“We know that people have been decluttering during the lockdown, and would like to donate their household goods and furniture to a charity – but with Covid-19, they may be unsure how to do that safely.” 

Lapointe said Habitat had taken professional advice and was following strict guidelines for handling and quarantining items. 

“Our ReStore workers and volunteers have set up the necessary contactless goods drop off and quarantine systems that will help keep everyone safe. Our practices are similar to those in place for people picking up retail goods in a contactless way, and with stringent controls inside our buildings.” 

“We’re looking forward to helping people make that connection between decluttering and helping Habitat raise funds for housing need. And in turn, our ReStores will be able to help customers access affordable, clean, quality items they need when we can open again for in-store retail.” 

ReStore goods donors were encouraged to make a booking for a contactless drop-off, with store contact details across the country available at www.habitat.org.nz/restore. Some stores were also offering a pick up service. 

The charity was also asking people to ensure their donations were clean, complete, wrapped or boxed and sorted in to separate categories as if they were packed for moving house.   

“We have been busy selling goods online at Trade Me through the levels, but stocks are starting to get low,” Lapointe said.    

Ends. 

Photographs available on request. 

For more information, contact: 

Auckland and Northland: Chief Executive Conrad Lapointe, [email protected], 027 239 1082 

Waikato, Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Rotorua, Taupo: Chief Executive Nic Greene, [email protected], 027 224 8450  

Nelson: General Manager Nick Clarke, [email protected] 

Christchurch: General Manager Stephen Roach, [email protected]   

Dunedin: Robert Budd, [email protected]  

Invercargill: General Manager Paul Searancke, [email protected]