DIYWEEK.net

Wilko has chosen goods re-distribution specialist In Kind Direct as one of its preferred UK-wide charities, pledging to give further products and funds.
The high-street home and garden retailer has already been working for nine years with In Kind Direct, one of The Prince's Charities, which redistributes its surplus products to hundreds of charities across the country.

Since the start of the partnership Wilko's product donations have benefited over 775 charities working for causes as diverse as childcare and disability to family welfare, housing and homelessness.

Now, as the new law requiring large retailers to charge customers for single-use carrier bags comes into effect in England Wilko has chosen to pass on proceeds generated to organisations including In Kind Direct.

It will be receiving 20% of the proceeds from the charge, while at the same time In Kind Direct continues to help Wilko reach its target of zero waste to landfill.

Wilko's other strategic partners are the Woodland Trust, WRAP and The Prince's Trust.

Robin Boles of In Kind Direct, said:"Wilko has become a key retail partner providing our network of charities with much-needed household products and making a difference to the lives of thousands of people across the country. The additional financial support we will be receiving from Wilko will enable us to reach more families struggling to afford everyday essentials."

One of the most recent beneficiaries of the partnership has been the Richmond Cafe Project in Edinburgh. A spokesperson said: "It was great to have kettles from Wilko. The kettles came at exactly the right time when a number of homeless people and asylum seekers were referred to us by the local social work care team.

"Through our conversations we found that we could help them with a kettle for their new accommodation. When you have very little, a kettle enables you to make pot noodles, soup and hot drinks."