Mitchells Auction Company is holding a series of free pop-up valuation events in aid of South Lakes charities, hosted by Windermere-based valuer David Brookes and sporting specialist James Moore.
The first, in aid of Coniston Community Tourist Information Centre, takes place at the centre on Friday, September 22 between 10am and 2pm.
People are invited to drop in for a free valuation of their items, including sporting goods for hunting, shooting and fishing, in return for a donation to support the work of the TIC.
Ron Rutland, an experienced mountaineer and volunteer at the centre, said: “The TIC receives no funding from anyone and is run by volunteers. We do support local events and each year there are 250,000 people who visit the TIC.
“We offer advice on a daily basis to hillwalkers regarding the conditions and weather which is especially relevant in the winter months when the local fells can be unduly difficult for the ill prepared. Rescues this year are nearly double on previous years.
“Coniston is the third busiest after Bowness and Keswick. We are a dying breed and as an example there are no TIC facilities in Grasmere or Hawkshead! Without the volunteer support there will be no Coniston TIC.”
Following the success of a charity valuation event in June, David will also be hosting two more pop-up valuation events in aid of St Mary’s Hospice.
The first takes place on Friday October 13 at the hospice in Ulverston, the second on Friday October 27 at Millom Library. People can drop by with their items between 10am to 2pm for a free valuation in return for a donation to support the vital work of the hospice.
Annabelle Holloway, area fundraising manager for St Mary’s Hospice, said: “We are incredibly grateful for the support of Mitchells. We only receive 22 per cent of our funding from the NHS so that means that the care of roughly eight out of 10 of our patients is funded by supporters like Mitchells.
“These events will raise some much needed funds for St Mary’s Hospice and allow us to continue to provide valuable end of life care, comfort and support for our patients and their families in the South Lakes and Furness area.”
