Derek Thomas MP is launching a drive to collect stamps for the Leprosy Mission. At a time of year when we all receive more post – and more stamps – it is easier than ever for all of us to support the Leprosy Mission Stamps and Collectables.
The Leprosy Mission Stamps and Collectables has, over the last thirty years, raised over £1 million from recycled stamps to help some of the world’s most marginalised people. The charity fights leprosy transmission, disability and discrimination, with a particular focus on ten countries in Africa and Asia - Bangladesh, Ethiopia, India, Mozambique, Myanmar (Burma), Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Sudan. These places have high rates of leprosy or lack the services or opportunities needed by people affected. As well as supporting people living with leprosy today, the Leprosy Mission serves future generations by working to end the transmission of the disease.
The stamps that are donated are bought by dealers who pick out any unusual or valuable stamps which are in good condition to sell to collectors. The rest of these are sold as used postage stamps for crafting or sent for paper recycling; either way, it brings in money for the charity from what would otherwise be thrown away.
Derek has a collection box for used stamps in his office in Penzance, or they can be sent by post. They can be cut off the envelope, leaving approximately 1 cm of envelope bordering each stamp, and the rest of the envelope can be recycled.
Derek has been sending stamps to the Leprosy Mission since childhood, and as a Member of Parliament he has even more letters and so more stamps. At Christmas we all get more post than usual, and so this is a very good time for all of us to get involved and raise money for the Leprosy Mission.
Derek says:
“The Leprosy Mission is a charity that has been close to my heart since my parents worked with people suffering from leprosy in the 1970s. It’s shocking to me that there’s been no advance in the treatment of the condition since then – even though it’s totally curable.
“Cutting off the stamp from a Christmas card or a letter takes seconds, and it’s something that we can all do. It’s a great way for our children - and those of us not so young! – to get involved in raising money, as the older ones of us will remember from Blue Peter appeals.
“But those few seconds can really help save lives in developing countries.”
