28 January 2015
A new charity shop opens its doors in Kelso this Monday, 2nd February, with all profits going to support the Margaret Kerr Unit, and palliative care in the Scottish Borders.
Eilean Hogarth has been a charity shop volunteer for over 13 years and in that time she has seen the benefits the money raised has brought to many local causes. This inspired her decision to open her own charity shop with the money it raises being used to support the Margaret Kerr Unit at the Borders General Hospital, and enhance palliative care across the wider Borders community.
With the help of her small committee and some expert advice, Eilean has established a new charity called ‘Charity for Care’ and has secured retail premises in Kelso. Eilean and her team have been working hard to prepare the shop which will open to the public on Monday.
Despite being brand new the shop is already attracting a lot of support with Eilean receiving offers of retail fixtures, stock, free window cleaning and even cash donations to help her get it off the ground.
Eilean explains, “I have been overwhelmed by the support I have received. As soon as people hear what I am doing they want to help. If people are as supportive once the shop opens then I am confident we can raise lots of money for palliative care and the Margaret Kerr Unit.”
There are already over 20 volunteers enlisted to work in the shop, some of whom have had loved ones cared for in the Margaret Kerr Unit. Fundraising Manager for the difference, Karen Nairn believes the shop will do more than just raise money; “the on-going support that we continue to receive for the Margaret Kerr Unit is fantastic. The ‘Charity for Care’ shop enables people to support us in a different way, by donating unwanted belongings, volunteering time and of course purchasing from the shop knowing that they are making a difference to palliative care in the region. We are truly grateful to Eilean and her team for all their hard work.”
‘Charity For Care’ Charity Shop is located on 8 Bridge Street, Kelso and opens its doors to the public at 10am on Monday February 2nd.
Regular opening hours are 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday.
Charity For Care is a registered charity. Registered Charity No. SC045274
To find out more about the difference please visit www.thedifference.org.uk or find them on facebook and twitter.