Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of charity shops during Hospice Care Week
10th October
Celebrating the vital role of charity shops this Hospice Care Week
Hospice in the Weald is celebrating the vital role of its charity shops during Hospice Care Week 2024. The national campaign, from 7th -13th October, this year focuses on the contribution charity shops make to funding hospice services. Hospice in the Weald, which provides free care and support to those facing terminal illness and their loved ones in East Sussex and Kent, has 30 charity shops, including a large shop in Heathfield which occupys the old site of Tinker Toad on Heathfield High Street. Locally you can find other shops in Five Ashes, Crowhurst and Mayfield.
Dedicated volunteers
The campaign provides an opportunity to showcase the work of the incredible people who volunteer their time and skills in the Hospice’s charity shops.
Elizabeth Woodcock had no idea that a browse in her local charity shop with a friend in 1986 would lead to her becoming Hospice in the Weald’s longest-serving retail volunteer. After 38 years of dedicated service, Elizabeth continues to volunteer for the Hospice. “I would encourage anyone with a bit of free time to volunteer,” said Elizabeth. “Volunteers are people who care; having such people as colleagues is rather special. It’s a pleasure to give my time to such a worthwhile cause. It’s amazing how time flies!”
Pre-loved designer fashion
The Hospice’s Retail team held a ‘Love Your Labels Lock-in’ at its shop in Sevenoaks High Street offering designer and high-end, high-street items, including Burberry trench coats and Prada dresses. Around 300 shoppers bought 1,339 items in just four hours, raising more than £23,000 to support people facing terminal illnesses in the local community.Sharon Gills, Head of Retail at Hospice in the Weald, said: “It was an amazing evening with a real buzz as everyone enjoyed looking for designer brands among all the fantastic donated stock. Thanks to all involved for making it such a success.”
Protecting the planet
On average, a bag of charity shop donations will help save 211kg of CO2 emissions — the equivalent of 107 trees absorbing CO2 in a day.Sharon explained: “Every donation and every customer plays an important role in combating fast fashion and reducing thousands of tonnes of landfill waste. Our shops help the environment by encouraging local, sustainable shopping, protecting our planet for future generations.”
Raising vital funds for Hospice care
“Hospice Care Week allows us to celebrate all of the incredible retail staff, volunteers, donors, and customers who ensure our shops are such a success,” said Sharon. “The free compassionate care and support Hospice in the Weald offers local people at the most challenging time of their lives simply would not be possible without them. With just 13% of the Hospice’s funds coming from statutory funding, we receive more income from our Hospice shops than we do from the government. We hope even more people will pop into their local Hospice in the Weald charity shop to bag a bargain and would love to hear from anyone interested in volunteering with us – you will be joining a wonderful team that makes a vital difference to your local community.”
Find out more at hospiceintheweald.org.uk
