A generous volunteer officially opened Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s latest charity shop today (Thursday 31 January), which is based in the centre of Yardley’s busy high street.
Eileen McCann – who has been volunteering at the Hospice for over eight years – cut the ribbon to the store, making it the charity’s 18th shop across Birmingham and Sandwell.
Volunteering in the fundraising team, Eileen helps generate funds for the Hospice by encouraging local shops, supermarkets, pubs and cafes to have collection tins for the charity. She took up volunteering after the Hospice cared for her brother in 2010 and was invited to launch the new store as a way of recognising her commitment to the charity.
Based at 118 Church Road, the shop is the Hospice’s first in Yardley and hopes to raise vital funds to help care for local people and their loved ones who are living with life-limiting illness.
Eileen said: “It’s been fantastic to come to Yardley today and open the Hospice’s latest shop. Not only has it been wonderful to welcome shoppers and show them the brilliant bargains on offer, but it’s also been heartening to tell them about the crucial care the Hospice provides to people when they need it most.
“Both my brother and sister-in-law’s sister were cared for by the Hospice and I’ll never forget the support the doctors, nurses, and volunteers gave to our family. They made a difficult time that little bit better, which is why I’ve been volunteering at the charity ever since.”
In the last 12 months, Birmingham St Mary’s has launched three new shops, including its first in Sandwell. The charity aims to grow its retail presence across the city, raising funds and educating more people about the vital services it provides.
Jonathan Varley, head of retail at Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, said: “Thank you to Eileen and everyone else who came to the launch of our new shop today. There’s a real community spirit in Yardley and so I’m thrilled that the Hospice can now be a part of that.
“Our shops provide a crucial source of income for the Hospice – in fact, generous shoppers help raise over £1 million of the £8 million needed every year to run our vital services. That money goes a long way in supporting people to live well with life-limiting illness.”
Birmingham St Mary’s new shop will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm. To find your local Hospice shop, take a read here.
