More than 150,000 bags of donations have been saved from landfill thanks to Isabel Hospice’s award-winning sustainability campaign, Tonnes of Care, in its first year.
The green initiative was launched a year ago on Earth Day 2022 with the aim of saving 25,000 tonnes from landfill by 2027, whilst raising vital income to fund the charity’s specialist palliative and end-of-life care.
So far the scheme has funded 88,913 nursing hours for the Welwyn Garden City-based charity.
Over the past 12 months, Tonnes of Care has been supported by a number of key corporate partners, including The Dutch Marketplace in Brookmans Park, Van Hage Garden Centre in Great Amwell and Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Football Club, which have all held regular donation days for staff and the public to bring along their good quality items to be sold in the Hospice’s shops and eBay store.
In total, Isabel works alongside 18 responsible businesses that have pledged to back Tonnes of Care, together generating a total of 3,017 bags of donations, equating to 169 nursing hours.
Isabel Hospice’s head of retail Charlotte Greenwood said: “It has been one year since we launched Tonnes of Care on Earth Day and, 12 months later, look at what we have achieved!
“In the past year, we have taken in a huge 158,445 bags of donations, which has saved 1,267 tonnes from ending up in landfill. These donations were taken across our entire estate, with 6,448 taken at our mobile donation points across eastern Hertfordshire.
“This is such a huge achievement and is all thanks to our wonderful supporters for their generous donations. We are so proud to be pioneering an initiative that works to create a more sustainable community.
"This is not only contributing to a greener world, but it has converted into an incredible 88,913 nursing hours, an invaluable amount of outstanding palliative care because people have kindly donated the items they no longer want or need. Without these donations, the Hospice couldn’t exist.
“But the challenge is far from over. Please remember us when you clear out your garage, or freshen up your wardrobe. We still need your donations to create Tonnes of Care.”
To coincide with the first anniversary, Tonnes of Care has been shortlisted in the Inspiring Hertfordshire Awards run by Hertfordshire Chamber Commerce. The winners will be announced at an awards ceremony on June 22.
The nomination comes after Tonnes of Care also picked up the Green Initiative Award at the Heart Hertfordshire Heroes Awards in January.
The Hospice is currently in urgent need of good quality spring and summer clothing and accessories.
Donations can be dropped to your local Isabel shop during opening hours or to the Donation Centre in Welwyn Garden City between 9.30am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, and 10am to 2pm on Saturdays.
Forthcoming mobile donation days are also taking place between 10am and 2pm at the following venues:
- Bishop’s Stortford Rugby Football Club - 5th June.
- Van Hage Garden Centre - 9th and 10th May, and 12th and 13th June.
- The Dutch Marketplace - 15th May and 19th June.
- Goffs Oak Library - 23rd May.
- Wodson Park Trust - 26th June.
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