With the tills ringing at our recently launched charity shops in Plymouth city centre and Plymstock to further support our vital care, we have just cut the ribbon on another!
Our Kingsbridge charity shop has just reopened after some tender loving care including essential maintenance and an attractive boutique-style refurbishment – a bright, modern makeover that would give DIY SOS royalty Nick Knowles a run for his money!
The shop in Fore Street, which first opened its doors 25 years ago, is in the heart of the market town in the rural South Hams, where – thanks to our partnership work with the local hospital – our specialist service reaches people whose time is running short.
For those living in more remote areas like Kingsbridge, it can be difficult to access services of all kinds, so it is fitting that the money raised by the sales of our shop’s quality pre-loved clothes, books, toys and bric-a-brac continues to generate much-needed income to help us care for those who want to be looked after at home in their final weeks and days of life.
Mike Picken, Head of Retail at St Luke’s, said: “The expert care our teams give stretches beyond Plymouth, out to Kingsbridge, Tavistock and South East Cornwall, and we have 32 charity shops across the areas we serve, meaning that local support helps terminally ill local people and their families.
“People know and trust the St Luke’s name, and they know the money they spend on the bargains in our shops is going to a really good cause in their own community.”
Among those celebrating the opening of our new-look store was manager, Sue Harris, who is supported by a loyal team of volunteers.
Sue said: “I’ve worked here for 14 years and the shop has never looked so good – it’s amazing! The revamp is going down really well with our regular customers and will undoubtedly attract new ones, too, including the many holidaymakers who come to Kingsbridge.”
The honour of cutting the ribbon at the revamped store went to long-serving volunteer Sheila Warrilow, aged 85. She said: “It’s wonderful to see the shop looking so smart. I’ve always really enjoyed the time I spend here and I’m so aware that for those shopping with us it’s about far more than a financial transaction. Many of our customers come in because their lives have been touched by St Luke’s and that’s what motivates them to give something back. It’s a privilege to meet them and hear about their memories of their loved one.”
Fellow volunteer Karen Cotton has been helping customers at the shop for almost 22 years. She said: “I love volunteering for St Luke’s and meeting all the customers and those dropping off donations, knowing it all supports the vital work of the charity. I do it for myself as well as others because I get so much out of it, too.”
The shop is open six days a week, including Saturdays, welcoming customers and new donations, too. If you’re in the area, pop in and say hi to manager Sue and the team!
