News

Wednesday, 4 November 2009

Collection at a Waitrose store

The final supermarket/street collection in 2009 has been made, and we are very gratified at the result. From breakfast time till tea time on a fine Saturday in early October, a succession of Group members stood outside Waitrose in West Byfleet (some live in that area). Each was equipped with a collecting tin, a roll of stickers and a friendly smile; and wore a bold tabard proclaiming RSPB. Inside, each had hope that the shoppers would be generous-- and they certainly were. We collected £422 that day. A big thank-you to Waitrose, its staff, and the good people of West Byfleet. And a big thank-you from me, the organiser, to members who give their time as collectors. You need comfortable shoes and a willingness to chat a little-- it's quite fun to do.

As reported before, street collections do not boost our local group finances. All the cash given us is sent to RSPB headquarters to be spent centrally on things we particularly want to support, and we are confident contributors will be glad to support as well. Currently these are: projects to benefit wildlife in marine and coastal environments; conservation of lowland heaths; and work with school children. Heathland conservation is always close to our hearts here in Surrey-- we have the largest lowland heath in the world at the marvellous Chobham Common site, not to mention several other heaths with superb bird life.

David Shenton