Perth hotel TV sets given Christmas push for charity

Dec 9 2011 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Perth hotel TV sets given Christmas push for charity

CHRISTMAS arrived early for a Perth charity this week – thanks to an upgrade programme at two local hotels.

Installing new televisions in their 81 bedrooms left the Lovat Hotel and the Best Western Queens Hotel, operated by the Perth-based Symphony Hotels group, with a glut of perfectly serviceable sets.

And rather than throw the TVs out, director Mike Sheffield opted to donate 60 of them to Perth charity shop PUSH in the city’s South Street where they have been selling like hotcakes.

“It’s all about recycling and we’re thrilled that television sets which were of no use to the hotels could prove a great fundraiser for PUSH and a bargain buy for their customers,” said Mr Sheffield.

“Symphony Hotels is happy to support such a worthy cause rather than add to the landfill problem.”

PUSH manager Catriona Palombo said she was “thrilled” by the generous gesture.

“They’ve been literally flying off the shelves,” she explained.

“It’s a wonderful resource to have for sale through the shop and we’re delighted at the funds the televisions will generate for the charity.

“We are extremely grateful to Symphony Hotels who not only gifted us their redundant TVs, but also let us help ourselves to several items of furniture they no longer needed.

“Charities like PUSH rely on donations to keep our shops going and these TV sets have been just the thing to boost our Christmas takings – we can’t thank them enough.”

The charity, which promotes inclusion for people with learning difficulties, has operated the shop at 190 South Street since March, opening Monday to Saturday from 10am-4pm.