Magpie is a social enterprise run by Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA), who work with voluntary groups across Aberdeenshire. AVA are one of 32 Third Sector Interfaces in Scotland and exist to support and represent local voluntary sector organisations by offering a range of services for both new and established groups. Find out more about the work of AVA here.
Running since 1999, Magpie, formerly known as The Boxroom, sells second-hand furniture and household goods, addressing the 'throw-away' society in which we live. We directly divert waste by selling on good quality goods to the public. Our amazing charity is an active participant in the climate protection agenda, with our core activities being to divert reusable goods from entering landfill, and act as a Deeside community reuse/recycle hub. Annually we are able to divert around 22 tonnes of goods from landfill - that's invaluable work in tackling climate change.
We encourage members of the public not to throw valuable household items away but instead to donate them to Magpie.
Magpie is delighted to have been awarded funding by The Robertson Trust to support our running costs for the next three years.
Where the money goes
The money made from Magpie goes straight back into developing the project for the benefit of our local communities. We also now operate a Gift Aid system which means that 25p in every £1 comes back to Magpie.
Our gifting service & working with our local foodbank
Magpie works directly with Aberdeenshire Council Social Work office, housing, Osprey Housing, Grampian Womens Aid, to support individuals and families in need to set up home and get back on their feet. We are able to help by providing furniture and other household goods (exept white goods) and many local families and individuals have benefitted from this service over the years. We also work with the local South Aberdeenshire foodbank to make sure provisions are delivered to those in need as effectively as possible.
We welcome referrals from professionals operating within Aberdeenshire South who are supporting clients in need of the above services. Contact us for more information via our email. Please note, we cannot accept self referrals.
The funds raised in the shop mean that we can continue our valuable work in the community - so when you donate or purchase something from Magpie, remember that you are directly helping to tackle climate change, supporting our Aberdeenshire area and helping people in your own community.
Gift Aid
Gift Aid is a tax relief allowing UK charities to reclaim an extra 25% in tax on every eligible donation made by a UK taxpayer. Your donation can therefore go further, with no cost to you. All you have to do is complete a short form, available from our team members, and we do the rest.
Please remember to ask in store about Gift Aid and help Magpie do more.
Testimonials
Testimonials mean so much to us at Magpie. We are delighted to share this one from one of our partner agencies.
"Magpie provides an essential, prompt, efficient and courteous service to those in need. It is an invaluable service to myself and my colleagues within social work and to multiple agencies throughout Aberdeenshire
"Through the services Magpie offer I have been able to support clients to replace an item of furniture in their home that is no longer fit for purpose to furnishing an entire home from scratch. Magpie also work alongside the local foodbank for Aberdeenshire South and ensure that the vulnerable and those in need in our communities are identified and provided for as necessary.
"As well as providing for the vulnerable in our communities Magpie recognises the importance of trying to recycle and prevent items that can be used again ending up in landfill thus contributing to a more sustainable future for all"
- Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership
Meet The Team
Marie-Anne Brown
Magpie Manager
Stuart Bannerman
Magpie Officer
Steven Riddoch
Magpie Officer
Marcus Connell
Magpie Officer