Timaru Salvation Army Security provisions for donated goods

The Salvation Army do so much for the community and the community owe them so much in return.

They are always there when they are needed, and deserve our support. They run on a slim budget and rely on volunteers. One way to accumulate funds is via their charity goodwill shop, but that operation is thwart with problems. They cannot staff the operation 24/7 and have signs clearly posted in their collection area stating their open times and offering a phone number foe free collection.

The problem is, so many people use it as a dumping ground (after hours) for unwanted goods that are not salable, and as such incur a cost on the army to dispose unwanted or rain damaged goods. Staff tell me the cost of dumping a TV set at the Timaru Council Tip is $24 yet some prefer to leave their old set at the Sallies collection site (after hours of course). What a slap in the face that is. Some people even steal goods left for the charity before the staff arrive.

What I want to see for the salvation Army in Timaru is a covered area for protection of donated goods (even when open for business, donors and goods would be offered some protection from the elements), and a motion activated CTV system covering both North and South aspects of their building both as a detriment against unwanted activity, and means of identifying offensive behaviour.

I think the community can and will help the Sallies achieve this goal.