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Used clothing, goods wanted

A clothing donation program, to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association, has been introduced to the Okanagan Valley.

A clothing donation program, to raise money for the Canadian Diabetes Association, has been introduced to the Okanagan Valley.

Lisa Fletcher, operations manager of the Okanagan Clothesline Program, said the Canadian Diabetes Association is collecting used household items and electronics.

The items accepted include clothing, lines, shoes, toys, books, small appliances, electronics, cell phones and more.

“When you clean out your closet, it doesn’t take much,” she said. “It’s the little bits that really add up.”

The initiative is in partnership with Value Village. Proceeds from the program will go to research and education.

Fletcher said the items can be picked up or left at drop boxes, although at present there are no drop boxes in Summerland.

Fletcher said items should be gently used, not worn out.

The Clothesline Program has been set up in other parts of Canada since 1985, but it has not been in place in the Okanagan before.

Fletcher said the initiative is not only an important fundraiser; it is also away to recycle and reuse unwanted items.

“Our culture thankfully is getting greener and greener,” she said.

Across Canada, she said the program saves more than 46 million kilograms of clothing and items from landfills. It also saves 840 kilowatt hours of electricity and reduces the donors’ carbon footprint by 115 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions.

Those who want to arrange pickup of items should call 1-800-505-5525.