Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance and UK textile recycling operator BIU Group are celebrating raising over £1 million through donations to their textile recycling banks.

BIU Group have been in partnership with Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance since August 2006, placing textile recycling banks across the two counties and collecting the donations made to them. Through the generosity of the people of Dorset and Somerset, a fabulous £1 million has now been raised for the Charity.

With the life-saving service receiving no direct funding from the Government or the National Lottery and needing to raise over £2.5 million a year, the Charity is keen to continue raising awareness of the recycling banks and encourage more people to donate their unwanted clothes, shoes, bags, bedding and household textiles.

Bill Sivewright, Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance Chief Executive Officer said: “Fundraising for charities takes many forms, but we believe that recycling adds another dimension of benefit for those people we support. The funds raised are certainly significant and a great source of regular income for the Charity. However, the fact that we are also helping the planet in a wider context through effective recycling is a tremendous plus point. Our relationship with BIU has strengthened over the years and we are absolutely delighted to be celebrating this incredible milestone with them.”

Carrie Smith, Contract Manager at BIU Group added: “We are thrilled that over £1 million has been raised for DSAA, a service that has saved so many lives across Dorset and Somerset. A big thank you to those who have donated and also to those generous supporters who have agreed to have one of our textile banks on their premises over the past 12 years.”

There are currently over 100 banks located at various points across the two counties including supermarkets, pubs, community centres and churches. All the items collected are baled and sold to organisations around the world who sort and sell the clothes or recycle them for other uses such as mattress filling or punch bag pellets.

For more information on the scheme, to arrange a collection of unwanted clothing, to enquire about siting a bank on your premises, or to find your nearest bank location please visit BIU Group’s website at www.biugroup.co.uk for more details.