Appeal launched in Sussex to help injured firefighters

The service is urging people from across the county who are considering of throwing away unwanted garments to have a rethink and donate them an effort to drum-up cash for The Fire Fighters Charity.

Twelve of the county’s fire stations are home to one of the charity’s bright yellow recycling clothing banks and local fire crews are calling on people to recycle their unwanted clothing, linen, handbags and shoes to help protect the environment and raise money for a good cause at the same time.

The Fire Fighters Charity is the only official organisation that supports injured firefighters and their families in their time of need.

The charity currently has three rehabilitation including one in Littlehampton.

For every tonne gathered at the recycling banks The Fire Fighters Charity receives £220.

Since the banks were launched in West Sussex in 2011 residents have helped the service collect almost 50 tonnes of clothing and raised nearly £10,000 for the charity.

Deputy Chief Fire Officer for West Sussex, Lee Neale, said: “Many of us have a bit of a new year clear out so we’re encouraging people in West Sussex to bank it, rather than bin it!

“By dropping their unwanted clothes and shoes into one the recycling banks outside of our stations, they’ll be helping to support their local firefighters, reduce landfill and supply clothing for developing countries.”

The following fire stations have recycling banks to collect clothing, fabrics, and shoes:

Bogor Regis, Chichester, Crawley, East Preston, Horsham, Hurstpierpoint, Lancing, Littlehampton, Midhurst, Partridge Green, Shoreham-By-Sea and Worthing