Chesterfield MP Toby Perkins visited the Ashgate Hospicecare store in Hasland as part of a national campaign to encourage people to become charitable shoppers in the run up to Christmas.

The Charity Retail Association, which represents 80 per cent of charity shops in the UK, including Ashgate Hospicecare’s charity shops, is running the #GoodCauseSantaClaus campaign, which asks people to add a little Christmas spice to their Secret Santa by buying gifts only from charity shops. Companies, schools, social groups and individuals are all encouraged to join in.

The initiative seeks to highlight the many benefits of shopping in charity shops. Apart from raising money for hundreds of good causes, charity shops encourage people to reuse and recycle, they also provide volunteering and training opportunities, keep high streets buzzing and much more besides.

Toby Perkins said:

“I really enjoyed my visit to Ashgate Hospicecare’s shop which sells such a diverse range of quality items.  I was very pleased with my purchases – pair of red socks and snooker themed mug!

“If you want to get your Secret Santa something extraordinary that you know they’ll cherish then I can definitely recommend it.  It was also great to know that my purchases were directly supporting the work of Ashgate Hospicecare, who do so much to support people with life limiting illnesses in Chesterfield.”

Kevin Brown, the shop’s manager said:

“We’re right behind the #GoodCauseSantaClaus campaign which encourages any club, group or workplace to participate in a Secret Santa game and to buy their gifts only in charity shops. Where better to find a bargain!?

“If you buy your Secret Santa present at one of our 14 stores you can know that every penny of profit we raise goes back into providing care and support to our patients across North Derbyshire.”

Matt Kelcher, Head of Public Affairs and Research at the Charity Retail Association said:

“Every time you buy something from a charity shop you’re not only getting a high quality product at an affordable price, you’re helping to keep items out of landfill, boost volunteering opportunities and support a great cause. So, buying your Secret Santa gift in a charity shop is a great way to spread some Christmas cheer.

“We’re really grateful to Toby for his support for the #GoodCauseSantaClaus campaign and his backing of Chesterfield’s brilliant local charity shops.”