A FERNDALE resident has set up a new initiative to turn donated mobile phones, cameras and laptops into cash for children’s charities.

Former chairwoman of Ferndale Residents’ Association, Yvonne Hutchinson, decided to give to charity by having a clear-out of hand-held devices that she no longer used.

Now she’s challenging local residents to do the same. She has set up Ethretec (which stands for ethically recycled technologies) and collects hand-held electronic devices donated by businesses and the public to raise funds for charity.

Three collection points have been set up and one of them is at Asda Brackenhall, and for the next 18 months Ethretec will give funds exclusively to The Forget Me Not Children’s Hospice in Ferndale, Brackenhall.

Ms Hutchinson of Oxley Road said: “I’ve been involved in charity work for a long time. Because of the recession charities are struggling, people are cancelling standing orders and some vital services are having to be cut.

“I’ve supported the Forget Me Not children’s hospice since its application for the land in Ferndale and think they do a wonderful job.

“The very specialist care the children need doesn’t come cheap, the hospice needs to raise around £2.5m each year. It’s a massive challenge to raise that kind of money but it’s on my doorstep and I really want to help.”

Local residents are now being encouraged to make use of the newly launched collection points at Asda supermarket and The Media Centre, Northumberland Street where hand-held electronic devices in good working order can be deposited.

A third point is due to open at Heritage Exchange, Lindley. All that’s needed is for donors to remove personal codes, locks, passwords before they donate them.

Peter Branson, CEO of the Forget Me Not Hospice said: “I am thrilled that Yvonne has chosen to support us in this way. Ethretec is a great idea, and it will make a real difference to us. This is a really simple way for people to help local children and families who so desperately need their support.”

Ethretec can receive the following donations which must be in good working order: laptops, MP3s, games consoles, digital cameras, mobile phones etc. They are also looking for volunteers who are qualified to PAT test.

For more information, tips on erasing date or to contact Yvonne visit: http://www.yvonnehutchinson.wix.com/ethretec or call 07956 669966.