“The support we have received is incredible” - Community rallies to support Overgate Hospice shops

Following the end of the second national lockdown and the subsequent closure of all non-essential shops, Overgate Hospice last week reopened their 13 charity shops across Calderdale.

The shops were forced to close on November 5 and remained shut for four weeks. The charity estimated that close to £100,000 of income was lost during this time.

Despite this, the hospice launched a number of new initiatives during the second lockdown including opening a Facebook shop, offering a click and collect service, listing donations on their website shop and increasing their eBay shop listings.

And whilst these initiatives have seen overwhelming support from the community, they haven’t closed the gap in income that the shops closures caused.

Tracey Broadbent, Head of Retail, said: “It was a huge blow to be forced to close our shops again in November, especially as this is leading into our busiest time. Our staff and volunteers had worked so hard to reopen the shops following the first lockdown so were understandably disappointed to be closed once more.

“Every penny that our shops raise goes straight up to the Hospice to fund the care provided to people in Calderdale so it’s heart-breaking when we are unable to raise this vital money.”

However, all 13 shops reopened last Wednesday and saw huge support from the community last week. In the five days following reopening over £31,000 was spent in the Hospice’s shops, which is almost double the amount taken in the same period last year.

Laura Golding, Director of Income Generation, said: “We are delighted to welcome back our customers, staff and volunteers to our shops. We continue to work hard to ensure they are a safe place to shop during the pandemic and we are following all the guidelines set out by the Government.

“Our shops are an important part of Calderdale’s high streets and act a hub in the community we serve. Every penny spent in one of our shops, makes a difference to a local family in need of our care right now. Thank you to everyone who continues to support our shops and wider fundraising activities.”

With just 15 days of trading left before Christmas, the Hospice is asking the Calderdale community to continue to show their support to Overgate’s shops.

Tracey added: “The support we have received is incredible however we still need your help this Christmas. We are in need of donations of good quality items including clothing, shoes and giftsets and all our shops are accepting donations.

“We just ask that you give them a ring before setting off to ensure they can safely accept your items. Please come and visit one of our shops this December, you’ll be surprised at the incredible items on offer.”