Thousands of counterfeit clothes seized by Cumbria County Council’s Trading Standards have gone to help people in a stricken African nation.
More than 8,000 items of counterfeit clothing and footwear, taken last October during a raid at a Penrith outdoor market, have been sent to war-torn Liberia.
The goods, which are normally destroyed, have been distributed to thousands of people thanks to a partnership between Trading Standards and the His Church Charity.
Some of the clothes have been sent to remote, rural villages blighted by the country's 14-year civil war. Others have been distributed to orphanages and children’s homes.
The picture shows children from the Gold Child Child Orhanage in Brewersville on the outskirts of Liberia's capital Monrovia, wearing some of the Cumbria clothes.
Councillor Gary Strong, cabinet member for Community Development and Safety, said: "The county council’s partnership with His Church Charity is making a real difference to the lives of some of the world’s poorest people.
"It is also providing environmental benefits by reducing the amount of goods that have been sent for landfill."
Pat Thomas from Cumbria Trading Standards, said: "Counterfeiting is commercial theft and counterfeiters undermine genuine businesses.
"Product counterfeiting hits everyone in the pocket. The only people who benefit are the shadowy figures behind the trade, who are often part of global organised crime networks."
His Church Charity coordinator Richard Humphrey, said: "His Church Charity is delighted to partner with Cumbria County Council Trading Standards in turning seized counterfeit products into real aid for those suffering through poverty.
"By working together with forward thinking council's like Cumbria, we not only improve and protect the environment as waste is reduced through managed recycling but also the goods that would be thrown away are bringing such hope and joy to the underprivileged children who receive them, which is priceless."
ENDS
Media enquiries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes
Trading Standards officers, police and industry representatives raided Spook Outdoor Market at Penrith on Saturday 20 October.
More than 8,000 items of counterfeit clothing and footwear were seized when Trading Standards officers from throughout the North West of England teamed up with police to target the Penrith market.
The value of the haul is throught to be Cumbria's largest, with a value well in excess of £100,000.
Follow this link to view the press release '£100,000 haul in Penrith counterfeit goods raid'