Steve Brine spent time at one of British Heart Foundation’s (BHF) shops this week to celebrate the charity’s 60th birthday and find out more about how its sales help fund life saving research.
This July, the BHF celebrated 60 years of pioneering research into heart and circulatory diseases and is calling on the nation to join Team 60 – either by fundraising or supporting their local BHF shop, to help the charity fund the next 60 years of scientific breakthroughs.
Steve Brine visited the BHF shop in Winchester and met BHF staff who work on the shop floor and volunteers who give their time in the shop’s warehouse, helping price up items and sorting through donations kindly given by the public.
The staff and volunteers spoke to Steve Brine about the work that goes into generating those vital donations and making sales that contribute to the millions of pounds raised each year by the charity’s retail arm. They also explained how BHF shops use online initiatives – including the BHF eBay shop - to reach customers and donors who are unable to donate and shop in person or aren’t yet ready to return to the high street.
The Winchester shop was one of the BHF’s 750 nationwide shops that sadly had to close for several months due to the pandemic, which has had a devastating impact on the charity’s income. Last year, the BHF had to cut investments in new research by £50 million, which will delay important scientific breakthroughs.
Now, the charity’s shops are open with new safety measures in place, the BHF has been delighted to welcome customers back and support locals keen to shop and donate, as every item sold will help fund life saving research and supporting those affected by heart and circulatory diseases.
Steve Brine MP said: “It was fantastic to meet with everyone at the BHF shop in Winchester and hear more about the charity’s amazing milestone and how each month they turn thousands of bags of public donations into income for heart research.
“Research is vital to prevent, diagnose and treat heart and circulatory diseases in the UK and the ethos and commitment of everyone working here is commendable. The BHF would not be celebrating 60 years of scientific breakthroughs if it wasn’t for the dedication of its staff and volunteers who all deserve a huge thanks. After a difficult year in the charity’s history, the local community’s support is more vital than ever, to help the BHF fund the next 60 years of breakthroughs.”
“The BHF is asking Government to ensure that charities like the BHF are closely involved in future UK R&D plans to safeguard vital charity-funded research and help improve the lives of the 7.6 million people in the UK living with heart and circulatory diseases.”
To volunteer at a shop, make a donation or find out more about the BHF’s research, visit www.bhf.org.uk
