Two volunteers at Butterwick Hospice have raised £24,000 for the charity by selling donated goods through online auction site eBay.
Olwyne Pitcher from Long Newton and Rex Humphry from Stockton have had a successful year with the eBay shop, which started trading 18 months ago. The pair select quality items from goods that have been donated to the Butterwick charity shop and prepare them for auction, allowing them to get a higher price than they might ordinarily get on the high street.
The items sold on the site that contributed to the £24,000 total included a vintage typewriter, which sold for £15, a Harris Tweed jacket that was bought for £56 and a variety of musical instruments, including a mandolin that one bidder picked up for £42.
Butterwick Hospice has three sites in Stockton and Bishop Auckland providing support to patients with life-limiting illnesses and their families. The site provides 24-hour care to 2000 children and adults across the region. The hospice relies on charitable donations to fund all aspects of its running costs, including the purchase of equipment and the upkeep of its facilities.
Judith Hunter MBE, Chair of Trustees for Butterwick Hospice, said: “Butterwick Hospice is delighted with the amount the eBay shop has raised. As the items come from donations, all of the money raised goes straight to the hospice and allows us to continue our vital work within the community.
“We would give huge thanks to Olwyne and Rex, who have given a significant amount of their time and energy towards making the eBay shop a success, and to everyone who donated and bid on the items. Without their support we couldn’t have raised anywhere near £24,000.”
Volunteer Olwyne Pitcher said: “£24,000 is an extraordinary amount to have raised for Butterwick Hospice, and we are delighted. The service the hospice provides to the community is essential, and I’m proud to support such a good cause.”
Butterwick Hospice welcomes donations for its shops and eBay site. Any goods can be taken directly to a Butterwick shop or warehouse, or a Monday – Friday collection can be arranged by calling 01642 788201.