Virgin Money Giving, the UK’s largest not-for-profit online fundraising website, and World of Books Group, a leading global seller of used books, are launching a joint campaign urging the public to #DeclutterandDonate unwanted books, games, DVDs and CDs via the Ziffit app, in the run-up to Giving Tuesday on 5th May.
Giving Tuesday usually takes place in November each year and is celebrated on the Tuesday following the well-known shopping days of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. This additional date of public fundraising for 2020 has been announced by the movement’s organisers as an emergency response to the funding shortfall facing the charity sector, created by COVID-19. As a result of the current lockdown in the UK and the cancellation of a summer of major fundraising events, the charity sector faces losses of an estimated £4bn1.
Last month World of Books Group and Virgin Money Giving launched their innovative partnership in the shadow of the coronavirus crisis, to provide a unique and alternative way for donors to support charities by turning their unwanted books, games, DVDs and CDs into cash for good causes. The service is provided by Ziffit, a free and easy to use app and website to sell unwanted books, CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays and games for cash, meaning that the donated item is recycled possibly many times over.
Without leaving their homes, donors can scan the barcode on their unwanted books and media through the Ziffit app or enter the details manually online and get a cash value which they can then pass, via Virgin Money Giving, directly to a charity of their choice. All the funds raised will go to their chosen charity and if they are a UK taxpayer that donation can be bolstered by an additional 25% in Gift Aid too. The service is completely free and goods can be collected safely by a Ziffit courier service.
Richard Salt, Group Commercial Director at World of Books Group said: “We’re excited to launch the Declutter and Donate campaign as part of our innovative new partnership with Virgin Money Giving, a business that is so clearly aligned to our values and purpose. During these unprecedented times, with many charities facing an uncertain future due to the effects of COVID-19, our partnership further demonstrates how re-commerce technology can be a force for good by offering an alternative way for individuals to help the causes they care about most.”
Jo Barnett, Executive Director at Virgin Money Giving said: “With spring cleaning in full swing and charity shops closed and unable to accept donations for the foreseeable future, Giving Tuesday is the perfect opportunity for the country to unite once again and turn any unwanted books and media that may otherwise be thrown away into vital cash for causes close to their heart. We’re delighted to have partnered up with World of Books Group to offer a unique new way for people to donate to charities across the UK.
“The vital services provided by charities are needed more than ever, yet COVID-19 has left many in crisis. Our new partnership will provide vital additional income and supports sustainable trading at a time when both are greatly needed.”
