A North Wales charity has announced its ambition to be crowned in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards later this year.
The Awards, presented by the Charity Retail Association, gives charity shoppers across the UK to nominate their favourite shop. St David’s Hospice has launched an appeal asking supporters to nominate their favourite shop run by the charity.
Head of Retail for St David’s Hospice, Carol Morely, said:
“Retail is a major part of St David’s Hospice income stream and contributes a considerable amount to the £6 million needed to keep our services operating.
“We are proud of all our shops across Conwy, Gwynedd and Anglesey and we couldn’t do it without those who donate and those who shop.”
The charity, which offers palliative and respite care across North West Wales, runs 12 shops, as well as a successful e-commerce operation. Like so many other charities, St David’s Hospice relies on a team of volunteers to keep things ship shape across its chain of charity shops.
Bill, who has volunteered at the charity’s Llandudno shop for more than five years, has seen how vital the stores are.
“I believe that there will always be a place for charity shops, particularly with the current financial climate. Customers can come here rather than buying something that would cost ten times as much in a regular shop. We have people coming in and they will walk straight over to the reduced rail. It is a good feeling to know that we are here to help people who may be struggling with finances, which in turn helps the hospice,” said Bill.
“I enjoy meeting the customers who visit the shop, particularly our regulars. We get some coming in several times a week and it has been nice to build up a rapport with them. The shop has a community hub feel.”
Nominations close at midnight on Monday 14th July – for more details visit www.stdavidshospice.org.uk/shop-with-us
