Charity shop celebrates five years of fundraising

Children’s charity Barnardo’s will celebrate the success of a Swindon store on Monday.

In 2014 it returned to the town after a gap of many years, opening in Cavendish Square in Park South.

Originally a ‘donation centre’ acting as a regional sorting and distribution hub, the building is now a discount store but continues to generated much-needed funds for the charity.

Over the last five years the team have received more than 80,000 bags of donations together with more than 5,000 hours of support from local volunteers.

The money raised helps to support the charity’s work with vulnerable children and young people across the UK.

Barnardo’s managers Caroline Jacks and Sarah Poynter and store associate Nick Ballard are supported by 17 volunteers aged from 14 to 75 years old.

Caroline said: “We would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the last five years, not only our dedicated volunteers but also the donors and shoppers who have contributed to our success.

“We’ve received so many different donations, from a collection of milk bottle tops to a range of old cameras. We are so lucky to have such a friendly team but we’d love to welcome more support. Some people use the experience to gain new skills and confidence before looking for work, while others simply enjoy the social aspect. Whatever their reason for joining us, every hour is sincerely appreciated.”