Citizens Advice Solihull Borough has opened a new community charity shop at its Chelmsley Wood site. The store was unveiled by Dame Caroline Spelman, MP in the company of the charity’s Trustees, volunteers, staff, community partners and clients.
The store which is initially open for a 12-week trial period fills a gap in the local community, by offering donated clothing, bric-a-brac, costume jewellery, school uniforms, children’s toys, games and a variety of books at affordable prices.
Community partner, Phoenix Group assisted Citizens Advice Solihull Borough with the store’s set-up. Donating staff time, furnishings and with the aid of its 700-strong workforce many of the donations that are on sale within the shop.
The store onsite in Bosworth Drive will operate from a portable cabin within the car park area, and will be open to the public Monday to Friday, 10.30am to 3pm. Volunteers from the local community will be recruited to help run the store. Anyone interested in discussing an unpaid volunteering position within the store can contact the store manager, Jackie on 0121 788 6527 or email jobrien@casb.org.uk. Full training will be provided.
Meriden MP, Dame Caroline Spelman said, “I am delighted to have been able to open the new CAB Solihull charity shop on Bosworth Drive. I hope that this will draw more people to the Citizen’s Advice Bureau to see the excellent services they provide to local residents free of charge.
“The charity shop offers new, or nearly new goods for purchase at a sustainable price and will provide local people with an opportunity to volunteer their time to help make someone’s day by supporting the important work the CAB carries out in the community”.
Kerry Turner, Chief Executive Officer, Citizens Advice Solihull Borough commented:
“We’d like to thank everyone who’s donated items for the new store, and to those who have assisted behind the scenes in the run up to our launch. We hope the new store will greatly benefit those living in our local community. It will create further opportunities for us to share information on the wealth of services provided, assisting those most in need”.
Lucy Symonds, Corporate Responsibility Manager, Phoenix Group commented:
“It has been a privilege assisting Citizens Advice Solihull Borough with the set-up for their new charity shop in Chelmsley Wood. Our staff generously donated their pre-loved wares to benefit those in need in our local community. We look forward to continuing this support during the trial and across 2018.”
Profits from the new shop will support Citizens Advice Solihull Borough’s ongoing charitable operations in the local community.