Cardiff donation centre celebrates milestone
published on 19 Mar 2026
The Salvation Army’s Cardiff donation centre at Colchester Avenue is celebrating its first anniversary after a year of promoting sustainability, upcycling and affordable shopping.
The milestone will be marked by a visit from The Salvation Army’s Wales Divisional Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts, who has recently stepped into his new role as Eco Champion in Wales for the church and charity.
The role will bridge the gap between sustainable retail work and spiritual mission, encouraging congregations to achieve Eco Church status. The Salvation Army now has 103 Eco Churches dedicated to reducing carbon footprints through energy efficiency and renewables while boosting local biodiversity and bringing people together with community gardens.
Lt Col Roberts said the centre demonstrates sustainability in action:
“Our wonderful donation centre here in Cardiff provides high-quality, value-for-money items, vital during the cost-of-living crisis, as well as carrying out significant recycling. Their efforts support our work with older people, children and those experiencing homelessness in Wales. I am incredibly grateful to the staff, donors, and customers who have made the past year such a roaring success.”
Centre Manager Dean Harvey reminds us that the focus is on more than just second-hand goods:
“We reuse and repurpose locally, from clothing to white goods. But it’s the community spirit that makes us special. Every donation represents local generosity, and every purchase fuels The Salvation Army’s vital work. From visits by Cardiff City footballers, to special events and our growing team of volunteers, it’s been a fantastic first year.”
In its first 12 months, the Cardiff site has achieved:
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Approximately 290,000 items sold, giving pre-loved goods a new home.
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260 tonnes of donations sorted and diverted from landfill and waste streams.
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65-strong team, including eight staff and 57 dedicated volunteers.
The centre is open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm.
