The Charity is delighted that BBC Look East’s Amanda Goodman had agreed to attend as a special VIP guest and will be cutting the ribbon to open the new shop on Monday 15 August.
It is hoped that with local support and more donations of quality items, this fourth retail outlet will raise much needed funds to support the vital work of the Hospice. Hundreds of bags of donations have already been allocated to the new shop, which is located at 34 Woollards Lane (CB22 5LZ). The unit, previously a bike shop, has been refurbished and refreshed with the Arthur Rank Hospice’s official signage due to appear at the front of the store in the next weeks.
Shop staff and volunteers have been readying themselves for when the shop open its doors on Monday 15 August, sorting stock which will include fashion, homewares, books, media and a range of locally sourced gifts. The new shop’s opening hours will be 9am – 5pm Monday to Saturday.
The Charity is required to raise £2 million annually to supplement the NHS contribution in order to continue providing essential care to 2000 people a year who are living with a life-limiting illness in Cambridgeshire, and support their families and friends.
Eileen Hughes, Retail Manager at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity comments: “We’ve been really pleased with how our supporters in Cambridgeshire have answered our call for good quality donations over the last few months and we’ve had some fabulous things - including designer pieces and gorgeous evening wear – donated, which have really helped increase our income though both traditional and our online retail outlets.”
Explaining this newest addition to the Charity’s retail offerings, Eileen continues: “We’ve seen a steady increase in the success of our charity shops, both in terms of funds raised and how well they have integrated the Hospice with the local community. When we heard that the unit was available just down the road from our new Hospice home in Great Shelford, we quickly scoped it out, deciding it would be the perfect place for our third high street shop.”
Phil Orvis, Senior Shops Manager at Arthur Rank Hospice Charity, adds: “We are extremely grateful and excited that Amanda Goodman has rearranged her diary in order to attend the opening and are really looking forward to welcoming her, alongside officially meeting those who live and work here. Even if you are unable to attend the official launch, please feel free to pop in and see us whenever you get the opportunity.”
The new Arthur Rank Hospice Charity shop’s official opening will take place on Monday 15 August, when doors will open at 9am. BBC Look East’s Amanda Goodman will cut the ribbon at 11am and visitors are invited to pop in throughout the day to browse the pre-loved garments and vintage delights, partake in a slice of cake and join in the celebration with a glass of something fizzy.
Arthur Bear, the Charity’s loveable mascot bear, will be in attendance and available for photos opportunities with children and adults alike from 11am to 2pm. There will be a colouring competition running all week for the under 8s and Arthur Bear will choose his favourite the following week. There will also be a showcase of Tricia Taylor’s bespoke jewellery: the local artist from Coton has kindly agreed that her jewellery will be featured and sold from one of the shop’s display cabinets, with all profits donated to the Charity. Local suppliers interested in working alongside the shop in a similar way to raise further funds for the Hospice are welcome to contact Phil Orvis by emailing phil.orvis@arhc.org.uk.
Quality donations will be warmly welcomed, but should be dropped off during opening hours only to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity furniture shop at 276 Mill Road (Monday to Friday 10.30am – 2.30pm, Saturday 10.30 – 4pm) or at the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity high street stores on 222 Mill Road (Monday to Saturday 9.30 – 5pm) or 30 Regent Street (Monday to Saturday 9.30 – 5pm). Please note that we are unable to accept any donations at Great Shelford at present.
Those who are interested in volunteering at the shop, should contact Vipra Jain on 01223 723117 or visit http://www.arhc.org.uk/volunteeringintheshop.asp
Image: Phil and Eileen with arms full of quality donations!
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