Southend Association of Voluntary Services (SAVS) are calling on the community to support local causes and shop in charity shops. Buying ‘pre-loved’ goods this holiday season is a popular choice for both eco and money-saving reasons – but it also helps support local causes in need of vital funds.

But, not all charities have the means to set up a charity shop, which is why online platforms mimicking the role of a charity shop are popular.

Platforms such as eBay, ASOS marketplace and Facebook Marketplace provide a free virtual space for charities to advertise and sell goods to raise funds for their cause. Currently, 90 Southend charities are registered to ‘eBay for Charity’ and you can find all kinds of treasures at bargain prices including, designer handbags, cameras, vintage clothes, bric-a-brac and more.

One such charity that uses eBay for Charity is Southend in Sight. Catherine Hodgson, Fundraising & Communications Manager said,

“We have a very popular independent charity shop at our premises on Hamlet Court Road. Any donations we receive are sold and the funds are used to help run our services for local blind and partially sighted people.”

“Some of the donated items are sold to a wider audience on the Ebay website, where 100% of the proceeds from sales directly benefit Southend in Sight. Our Charity Shop Manager Lois has a good eye for what will sell, often the quirkier items, and we are lucky enough to have a fantastic volunteer who manages this for us.”

So, if you are looking for the perfect gift this it may only be a click away – making it easier than ever to shop with purpose this holiday season and beyond.

Related Article: Southend Loves Charity Shops: Shop with Purpose this Holiday Season