Old phones ring up charity cash (From Barry And District News)

Old phones ring up charity cash

9:00am Saturday 20th January 2007

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A BARRY charity is urging people to hand in their old mobiles to help send young people with learning difficulties go to a top sporting event in China.

Follow Your Dreams - which sponsors youngsters with Down's Syndrome and other learning disabilities to take part in sport, music, art and drama - is asking people to donate unwanted mobile phones.

A company will pay the charity to recycle the phones - this money will then be used to take young athletes to the World Special Olympics Games 2007 in Shanghai.

National fundraising and events co-ordinator Claire Hewett said: "There a lot of youngsters who have dreamt of taking part in such a major competition.

"But at a cost of over £2,500 per athlete it will be a real struggle for many, especially those who come from single or low-income families."

The charity could receive up to £16 per mobile, and 50p from each one recycled will go to Oxfam.

Claire added: "Over 15 million mobile phones are replaced each year in the UK alone.

"While people are replacing their phones, many people in developing counties cannot afford the most basic communications.

"In addition, our unwanted mobile phones could end up in landfill polluting our countryside."

Phones can be handed in to the charity's base at 26 High Street, Barry.

Call 01446 739452 or 701426 or visit www.followyourdreams.org.uk for more information about the initiative.

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