Supporting Sustainability Through Our Charity Shops

At St Gemma’s Hospice, we are committed to spending donations responsibly and ensuring that funds are used efficiently to directly benefit those who need our care. We regularly review our services to maintain high-quality care while adapting to the changing needs of our community.

Sustainability is at the heart of our work. By carefully managing our funds, we can continue to provide expert, compassionate care to those who need it most, while also reducing our environmental impact. We’ve taken significant steps to reduce our carbon footprint, such as installing solar panels, switching to energy-efficient LED lighting, and growing our own vegetables to cut down on food miles. Our Young People’s Cabin, built using sustainable materials, now generates enough energy to power the Dales Ward each day.

But sustainability goes beyond our Hospice walls – it extends to the way we raise funds and how we encourage our community to support us. One of the most impactful ways to shop sustainably is through our 26 St Gemma’s charity shops.

How Our Charity Shops Promote Sustainability

Every time you donate to or purchase from one of our shops, you are making a positive environmental choice. You are extending the lifecycle of clothing, accessories, books, furniture, and homeware. Shopping second-hand reduces waste, lowers carbon emissions, and avoids contributing to polluting industries.

We also work with textile recycling partners to ensure that unsellable clothing and fabric scraps are repurposed instead of going to landfill. This means that even worn-out items can still have value and contribute to a more circular economy.

The Benefits of Shopping Second-Hand

• Reducing Waste: By giving pre-loved items a second home, we can help prevent unnecessary landfill waste.
• Lowering Carbon Footprint: Buying second-hand reduces the demand for new production, which in turn cuts down on pollution and energy consumption.
• Saving Money: Shopping at our charity shops is a cost-effective way to find high-quality clothing, furniture, and household goods at a fraction of their retail price.
• More Choice: While you’ll often spot the latest trends in our shops, our selection isn’t limited to what’s currently in high street stores. There’s something for every taste, and you’re more likely to find one-of-a-kind pieces!
• Supporting Hospice Care: Every purchase helps fund St Gemma’s Hospice, allowing us to continue providing compassionate care to our patients and their families.

How You Can Get Involved

• Donate Your Unwanted Items: Clear out your wardrobe or home and give your pre-loved items a second life by donating them to one of our shops.
• Shop Sustainably: Whether you’re looking for a new outfit, home décor, or a great book, visit our charity shops first to see what treasures you can find.
• Spread the Word: Encourage friends and family to embrace second-hand shopping and donate unwanted items as a way to live more sustainably.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Local Charity Shop

If you’re new to charity shops, it can be hard to know where to start and how to find the best pieces. We asked our Instagram followers for their bite-sized tips:

“Have an idea of what you’re looking for, the colours you prefer and [take your] time. I love giving myself time to just rummage through.” – Nic, Pre-Loved Dopamine

“Men’s jumpers are the best!” – Jenn, Orjenise

“[Head] straight to the books!” – Sarah, sarahb.therapy

It also helps to know if any of your local charity shops specialise in certain areas – for instance, our Chapel Allerton Furniture Shop and Meanwood Superstore are the best places to go if you’re looking for larger homeware items, while our Street Lane and Boston Spa shops are known for their higher-end high street and designer items. Since it’s attached to our warehouse where PAT testing takes place, our Bramley shop is a hidden gem for electronics!

By choosing to support St Gemma’s Hospice through our charity shops, you’re not only helping to fund expert care but also making a meaningful contribution to the environment. Together, we can create a more sustainable future while making a real difference in the lives of those who need us most.

Thank you for shopping and supporting sustainability with St Gemma’s Hospice. Use our shop finder to locate your nearest charity shop in Leeds and the surrounding area.