FAQ's...
How much of the proceeds generated from my donation go to the Charity’s programmes?
The FARA Charity Shops are wholly owned by the FARA Foundation (the Charity) and the entire net proceeds generated through the sale of goods donated to these retail activities are gifted to the Charity at the end of each year. The FARA Shops fund approximately two thirds of the Charity’s programmes working with disadvantaged children. Your donations, therefore, are vital to the ongoing work of the Charity.
How do I find out more about the work of FARA Charity?
To find out more about the work of the charity, please visit www.faracharity.org. Alternatively, visit one of our shops and pick up a copy of the Charity Newsletter. The shop staff will be able to tell you more about our current and upcoming programmes in Romania. A copy of the FARA Annual Review which provides a more comprehensive summation of the history of the Charity, its mission, and various programmes and finances, is available on application to the charity or in the shops.
I have a very large donation, who do I contact?
Most goods donated to FARA are doorstep donations i.e. customers drop them at the local FARA shop during trading hours. In exceptional circumstances where donations are too large / heavy to carry or fit in a car, FARA may be able to organise a collection. Please contact your local FARA shop to discuss your needs with the Manager.
I have a valuable donation, who do I contact?
The majority of goods offered to FARA are valued and priced within the shop by the staff and, in some cases, the Area Manager. Alternatively, for items of specific interest and / or high value you wish to donate, please call Sacha Giblin at the Marketing & Development Office on +44 (0)79600 70650.
Are the shop staff entitled to purchase donated items?
FARA follows a very strict staff purchase policy to ensure all goods donated to a shop are available to the public. Upon receiving a donation, all goods of saleable quality are priced and displayed in the shop where they were donated. If after two days, an item has not been sold, a member of staff is then entitled to purchase it. This policy ensures that all goods donated to FARA are available to our customers to buy.
May I exchange unwanted items?
To exchange your unwanted items, you will be required to return them within 14 days of purchase. We will require proof of purchase i.e. your till receipt and the pricing ticket attached to your item. Items must be exchanged in the shop from which they were purchased. With satisfactory proof of purchase, the item may be exchanged for another or for a FARA credit note. A credit note is valid in the store where it was issued for a period of six months.
Refunds will be offered only if goods are found to have a fault which was not indicated at point of purchase. i.e.
- Not of satisfactory quality
- Not fit for the purpose for which they were sold
- Not corresponding with their description.
Faulty goods must be returned within 14 days of purchase.
GIFT AID
Will it cost me anything?
No.
Do I need to give my bank details?
No.
What does Gift Aid commit me to?
Absolutely nothing! It ensures that if you donate to FARA, the Charity, acting as your agent, can claim an extra 28p for every £1 from the Government.
How long will it take to complete the form?
It will only take a short time to complete a small section of the form to include your name, address and signature. We also request your email address so that we are able to contact you regarding your Gift Aid donation via the internet rather than via post. By providing your email address you are helping the Charity saves on postage costs.
Will this affect my tax payments in any way?
No. The Government directly refunds to the Charity the tax on the Gift Aid generated from your donation.
I am higher rate tax payer. May I add this to my tax return?
You may include in your tax return, the Gift Aid donation to FARA entitling you to a refund of tax on the increment of higher rate over standard rate.
What if I am a pensioner?
It is probable that you pay tax on your pension and savings. If so, you are eligible to complete the Gift Aid declaration form.
What if I stop paying tax?
If you stop paying tax, just let FARA know and we will stop claiming from the date you inform us.
What if I change address?
Please inform FARA of your change of address details.