Overgate prepare to reopen their charity shops

Overgate hospice has announced that it will start to reopen its Calderdale charity shops on June 15.

The Brighouse furniture shop will be the first to reopen, followed by the Elland children’s shop and the new Hipperholme store.

These shops were chosen as their size and layout, ensures that social distancing measures can be followed.

All fourteen of Overgate’s charity ships are being fitted with till guards and staff and volunteers will be issued with PPE.

To redue the risk of contamination, all donated stock will be isolated for 72 hours, before being priced and put out on the shop floor.

Laura Golding, Director of Income Generation for Overgate Hospice, said: “At the moment the government have announced that non-essential shops can open from Monday 15th June, our fourteen shops across Calderdale raise vital income for the Hospice and have been closed since March 23rd.

“Our shops alongside side an amazing retail team are supported by an army of over 400 volunteers from the community.

“It is very important to the hospice to keep our staff, volunteers and customers safe we are therefore planning to open our shops in phases to ensure we can adhere to social distancing and the recommended guidelines. We are really excited to reopen some of our shops as we miss our lovely customers and volunteers and means they can begin to raise vital funds for the hospice.”

Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the hospice has had to cancel all of its upcoming events during the busy Spring/Summer fundraising season.

Despite losing these major sources of income, the hospice still needs to find £11,600 every single day, in order to keep their doors open.

To make a donation to Overgate Hospice, visit: www.overgatehospice.org.uk/get-involved/donate/.

Alternatively, you can contact the fundraising team on 01422 379 151 or email them at [email protected].

lThe Halifax Courier wants to hear what you’ve been doing something to help Overgate Hospice during these difficult times? Send your stories and photos to [email protected].