A Pinner resident has written a unique book designed to help volunteers who stand outside supermarkets in all weathers collecting tins for charity.
Leonie Lewis MBE, from Pinner, has been a volunteer charity tin collector for Harrow Mencap for over 10 years and has seen how life has changed for charity collectors in that time.
Her newly published book, The Tin Lady: Tens of Tips for Charity Tin Collecting includes a brief history of charity tin collecting and an account of her own experiences, before providing a wealth of tips for collectors, covering points such as what is allowed under the law, and collecting during COVID-19.
Leonie said: “Charities must recognise the need to change their fundraising programmes and in particular the reliance on tin collecting. They must be willing and able to adapt, as I fear that if they do not, their future may be bleak. Looking forward, they will have to be increasingly creative in attracting donations.
“Despite an uncertain economic outlook, the public’s willingness to donate seems not to have waned – the monumental achievement of Captain Sir Tom Moore, raising more than £30 million for the NHS, is testament to this.”
The book has won praise from many in the voluntary sector. Sir Martyn Lewis CBE, broadcaster, volunteer and former Chair of the National Council for Voluntary Services, said: “This book is both a valuable guide and a recruiting sergeant for those who would follow in Leonie’s footsteps.”
A special event took place at the Bookshuk on Leighton Avenue on July 22 where people had the opportunity to purchase the book, browse the bookshuk and meet the author and illustrator.
To purchase the book for £6.95 search The Tin Lady on www.russellhouse.co.uk. £1 will be donated by the author and publisher to Harrow Mencap for every book sold.
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