Donation Nation! 84% of brits make regular donations to charity shops
It’s official! The British are a nation of happy donors – with eight out of ten kind-hearted Brits regularly giving to charity shops, more than double the number who would sell unwanted items on sites like Vinted, eBay or Facebook Marketplace (41%).
According to Shelter’s new Donation Nation report, 15% give stock once a month or more, with women more likely to give than men. The research, which canvassed the views of more than 2,000 Brits in 2024, found 24% of women compared to 15% of men donate every three months.
Older householders (aged 45+) are the most frequent donors, with 42% giving every three months or more.
Generous Baby Boomers were the most prolific givers, with 94% of 55+ respondents saying donating is one of the ways they deal with unwanted items. Younger people are more likely to resell on online platforms – the method named by 54% of 18-24-year-olds, compared to 29% of those aged 55+.
When it comes to WHY people would give, supporting a good cause was the prime factor for 80% of those asked.
A more practical reason – decluttering – came second (71%), followed by wanting to do their bit for the environment – 69%.
So how and when do people donate? The traditional charity shop drop off is still the preferred way to donate with an overwhelming 89% dropping off preloved goods in person.
A spontaneous 75% said they decluttered and dropped off whenever they felt the need, followed by 46% who made a trip to the charity shop following a spring clean.
Moving house was the right time to donate for one in three (32%), while making room for Christmas presents got 16% of people moving. Kids heading back to school or leaving for university had an impact too – named as the spur for donating for 7% of those asked.
When it came to choosing a charity retailer, practical and emotional considerations come into play.
Handiness of location was named by 64% as the top reason for donating in one shop over another. Supporting a charity they care about was most important to a loyal 59%, with good parking named by 45% and a shop experience (nice shop and people) cited by one in three (33%).
Speaking about the research, Shelter’s David Cryer, Assistant Director of Retail, said: “Our charity shops are a really important part of our work, in terms of fundraising and engagement, and we are always keen to understand more about donating habits and how these have evolved over time.
“The last five years have presented some serious challenges, so it’s amazing to see how committed people are to donating with such frequency – especially in an age where selling online is popular – and to supporting the individual charities and campaigns that mean the most to them.”
12/08/2024 10:56