NEWS CHANNEL
Published: 01/04/2009 00:00 -
Updated: 07/04/2009 15:58
Police are calling for residents who have this leaflet dropped through their door to get in touch following allegations it may be fraudulent.
An investigation by MK NEWS has discovered that the leaflet, which has been delivered to houses in Wolverton asking residents to donate their spare clothes, bags and shoes, does not raise money for the charity supporting children born with heart defects that it claims.
The leaflet, which states the collections are operated by SOS Support Ltd, says 60 per cent of the company's profits will be donated to the Children's Hearts Charity.
Dr Dmitrii Styrkas, trustee of this small Surrey-based charity that helps largely Russian children, said: "SOS Support Ltd is donating to Children's Hearts charity. We have an agreement that defines our relationship. This agreement was created to align with best practices and guidance from the Charity Commission.
"Unfortunately, however, at this point in time SOS support does not operate in Milton Keynes, so the leaflets are fraudulent."
Leandra Bockuviene, secretary for SOS Support Ltd, which is registered in Tottenham Court Road, London, said the company operates in Nottingham and has not delivered leaflets in Milton Keynes.
"I am very surprised to hear this," she said.
"We have reported a similar problem to police in Manchester and Liverpool before but they can't seem to stop the people. Sometimes the leaflets don't even look like ours.
"We do give 60 per cent of our profits, after tax, to Children's Hearts. We are trying to do a good thing."
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said the Force Intelligence Bureau, based in Milton Keynes, has been informed of the allegations by Trading Standards at Milton Keynes Council and is investigating.
Anyone who receives one of these leaflets or is approached by the company is asked to call the police on 08458 505505 or Trading Standards on 01908 691691.
An investigation by MK NEWS has discovered that the leaflet, which has been delivered to houses in Wolverton asking residents to donate their spare clothes, bags and shoes, does not raise money for the charity supporting children born with heart defects that it claims.
The leaflet, which states the collections are operated by SOS Support Ltd, says 60 per cent of the company's profits will be donated to the Children's Hearts Charity.
Dr Dmitrii Styrkas, trustee of this small Surrey-based charity that helps largely Russian children, said: "SOS Support Ltd is donating to Children's Hearts charity. We have an agreement that defines our relationship. This agreement was created to align with best practices and guidance from the Charity Commission.
"Unfortunately, however, at this point in time SOS support does not operate in Milton Keynes, so the leaflets are fraudulent."
Leandra Bockuviene, secretary for SOS Support Ltd, which is registered in Tottenham Court Road, London, said the company operates in Nottingham and has not delivered leaflets in Milton Keynes.
"I am very surprised to hear this," she said.
"We have reported a similar problem to police in Manchester and Liverpool before but they can't seem to stop the people. Sometimes the leaflets don't even look like ours.
"We do give 60 per cent of our profits, after tax, to Children's Hearts. We are trying to do a good thing."
A spokesman for Thames Valley Police said the Force Intelligence Bureau, based in Milton Keynes, has been informed of the allegations by Trading Standards at Milton Keynes Council and is investigating.
Anyone who receives one of these leaflets or is approached by the company is asked to call the police on 08458 505505 or Trading Standards on 01908 691691.
