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Aberbargoed Fire Station in South Wales has been crowned the UK champion of this year’s Fire Fighters Charity Bag it and Bank it Recycling Championship, leading a UK-wide effort to turn unwanted clothing into vital support for fire service personnel and their families.
Thanks to an incredible community-wide push, 5,610kg (5.6 tonnes) of clothing was donated to the recycling bank outside Aberbargoed Fire Station in January alone, seeing it take both the UK and Wales-wide crowns.
This local achievement contributed to a record-breaking UK total of 523 tonnes of clothing collected through recycling banks at fire stations and community sites across Wales, England and Scotland – 36 tonnes more than last year. To put that into perspective, it’s the equivalent weight of 43 fire engines.
With the help of the charity’s dedicated recycling partners, this year’s campaign has generated £63,000 – funds that help the charity to continue providing life-changing support to firefighters and their loved ones.
A special mention also goes to Cwmbran Fire Station in South Wales, which came in second for the whole of the UK, having collected 4,895kg of clothing.
Esher Fire Station in Surrey was the top performing station in England, while Bishopbriggs Fire Station topped the list of Scottish fire and rescue services.
“Once again, I’m amazed by the incredible support for our Bag it and Bank It campaign. This year, the dedication from our fire services community and the public has been truly inspiring, and the funds raised will have a real impact.
“I want to say a heartfelt congratulations to Aberbargoed Fire Station and the local community whose efforts this year have been incredible – the results speak for themselves!
“Every pound raised ensures that when a member of our fire family needs help – whether for their physical or mental wellbeing – we’re there for them.”
Kevin Biles, Fire Fighters Charity’s Sales Manager.
To find out more about recycling your clothing in aid of Fire Fighters Charity, visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/recycling. You can find the top 20 stations in this year’s Bag it and Bank it Recycling Championship here.
With Fire Fighters Charity relying almost entirely on donations to fund its vital work, none of the support it offers individuals in the fire service community would be possible without the generosity of its supporters. You can join their ranks by donating today at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/donate
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