A new way for shoppers to give to charity at certain times of the year has proved so popular at Gibbons Company that more than $11,000 has been given back to the community.

The concept was dreamt up in the run-up to last Christmas allowing customers the chance to donate $5 to a local charity of their choice and, in return, receive a one-day "20 percent off" discount card for goods on sale in the department store.

It proved to be popular with customers and Gibbons company CEO Paula Clarke described it as a "win-win".

She said: "The customers felt good because they were able to get a give to a charity and get discounts in the store.

"People wanted to contribute to charity at Christmas so we had 'Charity Fridays' campaign. If they came in and gave $5, which would go to the local charity of their choice, they could shop all day and get 20 percent off."

A desk was set up in the men's department where customers made their donation, filled in a card with their name and received a one-day discount card. Charities who received donations would also be given a list of the names of the people who had supported them.

The number of charities to have benefited from the handful of Charity Fridays held so far stretches to two pages, including the likes of PALS, TB & Cancer, the Diabetes Association, Salvation Army and Women's Resource Centre.

At the end of the four-week Charity Friday campaign in December, and a further one-off springtime charity day in April, the total donations topped $11,000.

Many customers gave more than $5, with some opting to donate $10, $20 or $50 to their chosen charity.

"There was a fabulous response and for some of the smaller charities it meant a lot to them to receive something like this. It was a win-win situation. It is a win for the charities because they get this money and for the customers they get 20 percent off," said Mrs Clarke.

The department store intends to repeat the Charity Fridays this December and have another one-off springtime Charity Friday next year.

"We are always looking for different ways to give back to the community," added Mrs Clarke.

* Gibbons Company store is currently undergoing upgrading work. The home department, selling bedroom and bathroom items and other home accessories, is expected to have all its upgrading improvements completed by September.