Barnardos Releases

The case of the mystery curtain donor has been solved.

The lady who had donated the distinctive pair of curtains last Wednesday lunchtime to Barnardos has returned to the Rathmines’ charity shop.

The shop team instantly recognised the woman and after she correctly described the curtain pattern are completely satisfied that she is the rightful owner of the cash.

Colette Miller, manager of Barnardos seven shops said: “The lady told us that she learned of our appeal when watching TV and quickly realised what had happened.

We have been overwhelmed with the media response and public interest and would like to thank everyone who helped us to spread the word and help reunite this lady with the money. She has asked us to protect her anonymity and we are respecting her wishes," concluded Ms Miller.  

The money was found by a Barnardos volunteer when sorting through items that had been donated to the charity shop during the day. The large sum of cash was tucked in a money bag and pinned inside the lining of the curtains.

The shop team felt that the curtain donor had not intended to make the cash donation and Barnardos decided to launch a media appeal for the lady to come forward.

The stock in Barnardos seven shops is always dependent on donations, so the teams never know what will come through the door next. Demand for the low cost quality clothing and household items that retail in the charity shops is growing. But in stark contrast, donations are declining by as much as twenty to fifty per cent in some of its locations.

Donations can be made in any of Barnardos shops located in Cork, Wexford, Carlow, Dun Laoghaire, Clondalkin, Kilbarrack and Rathmines. Barnardos accepts brand new and quality second hand clothing for men, women and children, shoes, handbags and accessories, soft furnishings, household items, books, CDs and DVDS.

The seven shops are supported by a team of twelve volunteers many of whom have been volunteering their time for many years. Barnardos shops help to raise money to fund the work that Barnardos does with more than 6,000 children and families living in communities throughout Ireland.

For further information, please contact:

Barnardos press office: 01 7080443
Irene Lawlor; 01 7080423, 086 3980441

www.barnardos.ie