Hospice charity shop a hit

Bobbi Sands

RAISING money for the care of patients is not easy to do but the St Francis Hospice has found one way of helping fund care for patients who are terminally ill – a charity shop.
Their Hospice Charity Shoppe was started last year, and with the good response charity stores are receiving, they will be opening another in Fourth Avenue, Newton Park, on Saturday.
"We are very excited about the opening,” said St Francis Hospice retail resources manager, Nicky von Hoffmann.
The first shop is in Rink Street, Central, and has a variety of merchandise.
Von Hoffmann said the second will be a little different from the first as it will focus on household goods, as well as collectable items like silverware and train sets.
"We have wonderful volunteers and donors who donate the merchandise sold in the stores.
"We also have many businesses that we are grateful to who support us with donations,” she said.
She added anyone can drop off their secondhand goods which are in a good condition and in working order.
St Francis Hospice events manager Melanie Manson said: "There is also this great swing toward vintage which sees many young fashionistas stocking up at our store.”
She said the stores are attractive, aesthetically laid out, spotless and "one can pick up the most incredible treasures”.
Visitors to the Rink Street shop can buy books, TVs, stoves, crockery, linen, baby goods and even hire evening and wedding dresses.
"Not everyone can afford lavish evening or wedding dresses, and we are lucky we have some in the store that people can hire.”
All items donated to the store are checked, cleaned and priced before going on the shelves.
Von Hoffmann said they have a need for volunteers to test electrical items that are brought in.
"Charity shops are fast becoming a trend and our store has been very well received by a variety of people.”
The shop is run by store manager Wendy Webster, assisted by Sandra Mgoude and Eugenia Maqenge.
St Francis Hospice provides specialised care to terminally ill patients, with professional nurses who visit patients in their homes.
They also provide support for grieving families.
"There are so many people who are willing to help with the charity shops.
"It is a good feeling that we do something for a worthy cause,” added Von Hoffmann.
The shops are open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 to 5pm and from 9am to 1pm on Saturday's.
To volunteer or donate contact Von Hoffmann on (041)360-7070.