Today a collection bag came through the door from "PALS"; "Protecting Animals Large and Small".
They want clothing and other textiles, and it says:
All clothing, etc will be collected by Nesta Trading Company Ltd who will pay £50 per tonne to the charity for any clothing not wanted by Canine Pals Charity Shops.
Last I heard, the going rate for scrap clothes was nearer 50p/kg; ten times as much... and "PALS" don't seem to have any shops listed in the yellow pages.

So is it a misprint, or is somebody uncharitable pocketing 90% of the donations?

It looks like the Nesta Trading Company Ltd are trying to gain income by appearing to be a charity to me.

There are more and more of these collection bags coming through people's doors and a lot of the companies operating the schemes aren't directly connected with the charities that they put at the top of the notice on the bag, but they know that if they put a bag through your door saying 'give us all your stuff to sell and make a profit' then you're not likely to give them anything, so they make a link to a charity to increase the odds of getting people to give them income.

Good bin bags those! and all for free.

It looks like the Nesta Trading Company Ltd are trying to gain income by appearing to be a charity to me.
PALS is a registered charity (http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/SHOWCHARITY/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithoutPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1 038956&SubsidiaryNumber=0)
They're only making around £10k/annum: 200 tonnes at £50/tonne? Or 20 tonnes at £500/tonne... looking like it is not a misprint.

Anyone want to call their helpline? 0800 313 4742. I would, but my mobile co charge me something silly.

Very simple : these bags come through letter box busman picks them up he does one of two things:

a/. Bag used for rubish etc

b/. Bag placed in pile when there is enought take them to morrisions and put inthe plastic bag recylcle bin. I dont even use the ones for well known charities as there as been reports of other charities finding out when the collection date is and removing the full bags. If I have stuff for a charity shop I either take it my self when the shop is open - dont leave it on the front of shop if its shut. Or get some one to do it who works there

I dont even use the ones for well known charities as there as been reports of other charities finding out when the collection date is and removing the full bags.


I am loth to believe that other charities would do that, but I know full well that some unscrupulous non-charity organisations have been doing it, so I still think you're wise not to use them.

PALS is a registered charity (http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/SHOWCHARITY/RegisterOfCharities/CharityWithoutPartB.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=1 038956&SubsidiaryNumber=0)
They're only making around £10k/annum: 200 tonnes at £50/tonne? Or 20 tonnes at £500/tonne... looking like it is not a misprint.

Anyone want to call their helpline? 0800 313 4742. I would, but my mobile co charge me something silly.

I'm not disputing that PALS is a charity- it's the company using their name that the comments were aimed at. I can't help thinking that any charity being used in this way is likely to be unaware of what they have committed to.

I'm not disputing that PALS is a charity- it's the company using their name that the comments were aimed at. I can't help thinking that any charity being used in this way is likely to be unaware of what they have committed to.

It's even possible that they have not committed to anything, and the company collecting the bags is operating entirely without the knowledge of permission of PALS.

If I run a business and decide that 1% of my profit is going to go to the RSPCA, I can make that fact public without the RSPCA having to agree to it. In cases like this, of course, they're advertising that "money will go to charity" but masking just how little of it will do so.

I am loth to believe that other charities would do that, but I know full well that some unscrupulous non-charity organisations have been doing it, so I still think you're wise not to use them.

Whether it be another chairty of a firm there have been numerous occasions where this as happened , there have been reports on this forum plus there was a discussion on the J . Vine show on radio 2 and some of the big charities were saying they know it happens.

If I run a business and decide that 1% of my profit is going to go to the RSPCA, I can make that fact public without the RSPCA having to agree to it. In cases like this, of course, they're advertising that "money will go to charity" but masking just how little of it will do so.
No, they are stating clearly that the collection is for the charity.
If they are doing so without the direct and explicit direction of the charity, then they are committing an offence.

No, they are stating clearly that the collection is for the charity.
If they are doing so without the direct and explicit direction of the charity, then they are committing an offence.

I'm not sure I agree, given your quote above. If they are saying that they'll collect clothing and then donate £50 per tonne to PALS for however much they collect ... I don't think an offence is being committed.

I think it should be an offence, but ... all they appear to be doing is collecting clothes, doing whatever they choose to do with them, and giving a charity some money.

I'm not sure I agree, given your quote above.
I did not quote the whole bag. If you saw it, I think you would agree.

The impression given is that it is PALS doing the collection, and they have simply sub-contracted the task to the company.

we get a lot of these at our house (almost daily) from various, so-called charities. I find it infuriating and a little sad. S

we get a lot of these at our house (almost daily) from various, so-called charities. I find it infuriating and a little sad. S


Me too!! At least every other day! It annoys the hell out of me. If and when i donate clothes to charity i always take them to the shop myself!

In fact we get that many through our door im thinking about putting a sign on my door for them not to post them through!

I did not quote the whole bag. If you saw it, I think you would agree.

The impression given is that it is PALS doing the collection, and they have simply sub-contracted the task to the company.

Well, there's the rub. The law only applies to what it actually, specifically states; if it quite blatantly implies something, the law doesn't care. It should, but it doesn't.


These things are usually written by crooks who know what they're doing, and phrased in such a way that while they're thoroughly immoral, they don't actually break any laws.

I did not quote the whole bag. If you saw it, I think you would agree.

The impression given is that it is PALS doing the collection, and they have simply sub-contracted the task to the company.
Well, there's the rub. The law only applies to what it actually, specifically states; if it quite blatantly implies something, the law doesn't care. It should, but it doesn't.
I am not sure what you are trying to say.
If they are using the charity's name in this way without their consent, then it is unlawful.
If the charity have given their consent when they're getting such a small proportion, then I should think that is unlawful.
These things are usually written by crooks who know what they're doing, and phrased in such a way that while they're thoroughly immoral, they don't actually break any laws.
Read the Fraud Act 2006 (http://www.statutelaw.gov.uk/content.aspx?LegType=All+Legislation&title=fraud&searchEnacted=0&extentMatchOnly=0&confersPower=0&blanketAmendment=0&sortAlpha=0&TYPE=QS&PageNumber=1&NavFrom=0&parentActiveTextDocId=2922456&ActiveTextDocId=2922459&filesize=28447) and explain how they are not in breach of it.
2 Fraud by false representation
(1) A person is in breach of this section if he—
(a) dishonestly makes a false representation, and
(b) intends, by making the representation—
(i) to make a gain for himself or another, or
(ii) to cause loss to another or to expose another to a risk of loss.

(2) A representation is false if—
(a) it is untrue or misleading, and
(b) the person making it knows that it is, or might be, untrue or misleading.

(3) “Representation” means any representation as to fact or law, including a representation as to the state of mind of—
(a) the person making the representation, or
(b) any other person.

(4) A representation may be express or implied.

I've given up with these bags now, but find they make useful bin bags! Any clothes etc that l'm getting rid of l take to a charity shop, then at least l know that they will be sold to raise money for that specific charity.

we get a lot of these at our house (almost daily) from various, so-called charities. I find it infuriating and a little sad.

I no longer put our clothes out in bags, instead I take them to the YAA bin at the recycling centre.

At least you know it's getting there then.

Today a collection bag came through the door from "PALS"; "Protecting Animals Large and Small".
They want clothing and other textiles, and it says:

Last I heard, the going rate for scrap clothes was nearer 50p/kg; ten times as much... and "PALS" don't seem to have any shops listed in the yellow pages.

So is it a misprint, or is somebody uncharitable pocketing 90% of the donations?

Sorry pals its not a mispellt word its a metric tonne.

I no longer put our clothes out in bags, instead I take them to the YAA bin at the recycling centre.

At least you know it's getting there then.

And what happens there?

A commercial waste clothing company takes the stuff, makes a profit from it and gives a donation to YAA.

Just the same as the roadside 'baggers'.

Has anyone actually bothered to contact PALS to see if they are receiving any donation ... before criticising on here?

I no longer put our clothes out in bags, instead I take them to the YAA bin at the recycling centre.

At least you know it's getting there then.

And what happens there?

A commercial waste clothing company takes the stuff, makes a profit from it and gives a donation to YAA.
More likely that a commercial textile company comes and gives them the going rate.
Has anyone actually bothered to contact PALS to see if they are receiving any donation ... before criticising on here?

Have you?
I've given the number and explained why I don't ring it.

Anyone know where they have a shop?

More likely that a commercial textile company comes and gives them the going rate.

Nothing to do with "more likely". I've told you what actually happens.


Have you?
I've given the number and explained why I don't ring it.


Your post was not entirely clear as to who that 0800 number was for. The charity or Nesta?


I've called the charity Canine Pals, several times, but have yet to get a reply.

Edit: Have just tried the 0800 number with no reply, either.

Nothing to do with "more likely". I've told you what actually happens.
Then take them to MIND, they have enough sense to ensure they get competitive rates.
Perhaps tell YAA they are getting screwed.
Your post was not entirely clear as to who that 0800 number was for. The charity or Nesta?
Nor was the bag.
I've called the charity Canine Pals, several times, but have yet to get a reply.

Edit: Have just tried the 0800 number with no reply, either.
Why am I not surprised?

I've had three bags through the letter box this week, I've given up trying to split the chaff from the wheat (con or no con) so I carry my spare clothes to the shops I support - mainly "Bluebell Wood" I know they recieve it that way. I don't give to Oxfam, as I believe the prices they charge for goods they recieved for free, are out of this world.

I've had three bags through the letter box this week, I've given up trying to split the chaff from the wheat (con or no con) so I carry my spare clothes to the shops I support - mainly "Bluebell Wood" I know they recieve it that way. I don't give to Oxfam, as I believe the prices they charge for goods they recieved for free, are out of this world.

Well said my friend.

yeah i use mine to line bins too.waste not want not and all that!!

I put a note on the door "no charity bags" we get 3 a day at least and it just sets the dogs off, they still come through, perhaps I need to put it in a different language......

we get a lot of these at our house (almost daily) from various, so-called charities. I find it infuriating and a little sad.

so called charities? so they are saying they are charities but are no?

so called charities? so they are saying they are charities but are no?
There are charities, but it seems these collections are not charitable.

And I have just heard back from the charity commission, it seems I was wrong, and they have no issues with it.
I hope they have misunderstood me, else I see little point in their existence. :?

Always try and take your unwanted things to the charity shop directly, I was informed by a friend who works in a charity shop that when the bags are delivered the shop has to pay £4 per bag and they cant go through them before

Always try and take your unwanted things to the charity shop directly, I was informed by a friend who works in a charity shop that when the bags are delivered the shop has to pay £4 per bag and they cant go through them before
Which charity, and which collection firm are they dealing with?

There are charities, but it seems these collections are not charitable.

And I have just heard back from the charity commission, it seems I was wrong, and they have no issues with it.
I hope they have misunderstood me, else I see little point in their existence. :?
if you read the bits of paper that come through the door, its doenst say they are a charity, or at least the ones i get.

if you read the bits of paper that come through the door, its doenst say they are a charity, or at least the ones i get.
I have had such flyers. It is not those we are discussing.

I have had such flyers. It is not those we are discussing.

so you what talking about then? looks like this in the thread comment

Good bin bags those! and all for free.

That's what I use them for. Charity begins at home.

Also I don't support animal charities. I think this is a misguided and financially costly mistake especially when so many people are suffering due to other people wasting money.
Using fluffy animals as a money making scheme over slimy or ugly animals or invertebrae over humans makes me sick to my stomach.

That's what I use them for. Charity begins at home.

Also I don't support animal charities. I think this is a misguided and financially costly mistake especially when so many people are suffering due to other people wasting money.
Using fluffy animals as a money making scheme over slimy or ugly animals or invertebrae over humans makes me sick to my stomach.

i only give to animal charities, i refuse to give to anything else

i only give to animal charities, i refuse to give to anything else

You sound like you may be mentally ill.

You sound like you may be mentally ill.

you couldnt be further from the truth

I have had such flyers. It is not those we are discussing.
so you what talking about then? looks like this in the thread comment
There is a distinct difference between a flyer saying we are collecting old clothes, and we will give you 42p/kg (or whatever), and a bag marked "PALS Appeal, please donate your clothes, etc to support this charity", where the charity gets only around 10% of the value of the donations.
I will try to post a scan of the bag when I get a chance, I think you will see my point.

Might I politely request that CJ and MC please stop bickering? I can't see how it helps.

I have had such flyers. It is not those we are discussing.
so you what talking about then? looks like this in the thread comment
There is a distinct difference between a flyer saying we are collecting old clothes, and we will give you 42p/kg (or whatever), and a bag marked "PALS Appeal, please donate your clothes, etc to support this charity", where the charity gets only around 10% of the value of the donations.
I will try to post a scan of the bag when I get a chance, I think you will see my point.

Might I politely request that CJ and MC please stop bickering? I can't see how it helps.

I used to put my unwanted items in the bags that came through my letter box,then I saw an article about people using this as a scam to collect things and then sell them for themselves on market stalls or car boot sale,I now take my unwanted items to the charity shop myself or I recycle them on sheffield freecycle

There is a distinct difference between a flyer saying we are collecting old clothes, and we will give you 42p/kg (or whatever), and a bag marked "PALS Appeal, please donate your clothes, etc to support this charity", where the charity gets only around 10% of the value of the donations.
I will try to post a scan of the bag when I get a chance, I think you will see my point.

Might I politely request that CJ and MC please stop bickering? I can't see how it helps.
i would like to see the leaflet, it that PALS one says they are collecting to support that charity (never heard of it) i cant see what law they are breaking, and if someone says im mentally ill, am i just supposed to ignore it?

I used to put my unwanted items in the bags that came through my letter box,then I saw an article about people using this as a scam to collect things and then sell them for themselves on market stalls or car boot sale,I now take my unwanted items to the charity shop myself or I recycle them on sheffield freecycle

i have never seen a genuine run charity leaflet where they say they will collect, and i mean those cheap looking leaflets where in small print it says they sell them to poor people. if people dont read the small print i cant see how they can say they are misleading....all the info is on the leaflet. i just bin every one but next time will take another look

I'm fed up of the blooming bags coming through however if i have things to donate to a charity shop i either get them down to the local one or give them a ring and tell them i have some stuff they can have.

We used to get one or two every day up at my dads....and they were all different.

i would like to see the leaflet,
I don't have it with me, and it is a bag, not a leaflet.
it that PALS one says they are collecting to support that charity (never heard of it) i cant see what law they are breaking...
If it was money, it would be easier to understand: for every £10 collected, they give £1 to the charity.

I don't have it with me, and it is a bag, not a leaflet.

If it was money, it would be easier to understand: for every £10 collected, they give £1 to the charity.

no im not stupid, i know what you mean, what im saying is, i cant understand who people can get confused. its says on behalf of the charity doesnt it?

no im not stupid, i know what you mean, what im saying is, i cant understand who people can get confused. its says on behalf of the charity doesnt it?
I don't have it with me, but no, I don't think so. I think it says collecting for.

I don't have it with me, but no, I don't think so. I think it says collecting for.
was there a charity number on? 99% of them say collecting for/on behalf of etc so people wrongly think all profit etc goes to the charity.

was there a charity number on? 99% of them say collecting for/on behalf of etc so people wrongly think all profit etc goes to the charity.
Yes there was.
It checks out (more or less anyway). That is how I know the charity turns over less than £10k/annum.

[QUOTE=cooljules;6654470]was there a charity number on? 99% of them say collecting for/on behalf of etc so people wrongly think all profit etc goes to the charity.[/QUOTE
Yes there was.
It checks out (more or less anyway). That is how I know the charity turns over less than £10k/annum.

thats pretty bad then, a lot of people would get caught out not knowing

thats pretty bad then, a lot of people would get caught out not knowing
Is why I felt I should post about it.

http://www.thestar.co.uk/doncaster/Search-on-for-home-for.5047907.jp

anybody taken into account the companys costs to get the bags made, deliver and collect them.

It's a business.
They collect old clothes and make money from them.
They understand that giving a small share to a charity get the charity's name on their bags and they stand a chance of getting more clothes.
Charity stands a chance of getting more money than they did before for no effort on their part.

A risk is that of annoying people to the extent of affecting their income. But this is highly unlikely when dealing with small local charities.

Another is in getting involved with a dodgy dealer who is out to scam you and the charity.

Part of the reason that, to me it stinks is that it purports to be collecting clothes for the charity to sell in their shops, when in fact I do not believe they actually have any shops.

I may be wrong about that.

I now have the bag in my hand. I can't work out how to post images, but what it says is this:
PALS APPEAL
Registered Charity No. 1038956
Can You Help?
We Urgently Need

Adults & Children's Clothing
Bedding & Curtains
Handbags & Belts
Paired Shoes (Tied Together)

No Bric a Brac or Books Please
All clothing, etc will be collected by Nesta Trading Company Ltd who will pay £50 per tonne to the charity for any clothing not wanted by Canine Pals Charity Shops.
There were also contact details and information about the collection, but these are not relevant to the discussion.

I now have the bag in my hand. I can't work out how to post images, but what it says is this:

There were also contact details and information about the collection, but these are not relevant to the discussion.

it says a trading co. collects and gives x amount pre ton, ok i can work it out that only a small part goes to a charity, but most people seeing the charity number will notice that and not read in detail the rest..............guess thats how they want it to read

it says a trading co. collects and gives x amount pre ton, ok i can work it out that only a small part goes to a charity, but most people seeing the charity number will notice that and not read in detail the rest..............guess thats how they want it to read
Needless to say, that bit was not written very large.