Shoppers raise more than £23,000 for Rainbows

Shoppers have helped Rainbows raise £23,148 through the Gift Aid scheme last year.

Now, we are calling on our supporters to sign up to the Government scheme to help us claim back money on donations and sales at our five shops, which are all open across Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire.

Retail Gift Aid allows charities, like ours, to claim back 25p from the taxman for every pound donated. UK taxpayers just need to provide a few details the first time they donate unwanted items and we can claim back an additional 25% of the price they sell for. 

The shops – which are in Loughborough, Melton, Blaby, Market Harborough and Beeston – receive clothes, toys, household items and books from generous members of the public. These are then sold to help raise vital funds to provide care and support for children and young people with life-limiting illnesses. 

Karen Bilsby, Head of Retail for Rainbows, said: “Because of Covid-19, sales in our shops are inevitably down on normal. We also had to close our shops for a short while, in line with government guidance, which also impacted our income. But our shops are all open and we are welcoming back our lovely customers and their wonderful donations. 

“Our supporters are always so generous when it comes to donating their unwanted items for us to sell, but many have no idea that, by giving us a just a few more details, they could help us to raise so much more money.

“There’s no cost to you and no strings attached, it really is as simple as that. We even have a small form ready for you to sign when you come in to drop off your unwanted items to save you time.”

For shop opening hours, visit rainbows.co.uk/shops