A WARNING has been issued about bogus charity collection of clothes in the city environs and throughout county Limerick. The county council has received numerous complaints from the public on the matter. Householders are receiving leaflets in their door appealing for donations of clothes for collection on a designated day. The phone numbers and e-mail addresses of these collectors have shown to be invalid.
“Anecdotal evidence suggests that criminal gangs are operating this business and much of the clothing is sold in Eastern Europe with none of the proceeds going to the Charity”, claimed a council spokesperson, who added there was a knock-on negative consequences for local businesses in those countries. Cllr Mary Jackman, Chair of the Environmental Strategic Policy Committee, appealed to residents to donate their unwanted clothes to legitimate charities.
“There are many such charities both in Limerick city and throughout the county such as Oxfam, Mrs. Quinn’s Charity Shop, Enable Ireland, St. Vincent de Paul, Animal Welfare and indeed, many other bona- fide collectors. Gerry Behan, director of Services, Environment Section, commented: “While this is not a waste activity within the meaning of the Act and cannot be prosecuted by the local authority, it is unfortunate that the good intentions of householders are not realised”.
