Grand re-opening at Hospice Shop with new look

The Whakatane Hospice Shop is on the move again - back to its newly renovated site, with a grand reopening on the Friday 13th December. The move leaves the shop closed from Friday 6th December with a grand reopening on Friday 13th December. The week long transition allows staff and volunteers to set up the new shop ready for the launch. “We would appreciate donations being delayed during this time where possible. However, after being shut for a week, there will be some great shopping ready for you on Friday,” says Shops Manager Wendy Wright. The shop at 109 The Strand has a rear entrance on Canning Place with a loading zone for easy donations.

THere have been some great times in the old shop; the new look site is yet to be revealed

“Please come visit us on the 13th and check out our new shop” said Mrs Wright. “Now is a great time to get good quality, and environmentally friendly Christmas gifts and serve ware that support your community, at great prices.”

The grand re-opening will feature a variety of quality used goods on display, as well as Dilmah tea with every purchase. 1xx will be live onsite for a portion of the day.

The shop was temporarily moved to the old Smiths Sports Shoes shop while the 109 The Strand site underwent earthquake strengthening. “Our temporary site was great but we are looking forward to working in the bigger space” said Mrs Wright. “Donations of bigger items like furniture really help us raise more funds for Hospice so having a big shop space allows us to accommodate these and makes it a better shopping experience for everyone.”

Quality donations are welcomed and encouraged as a great way to support Hospice and the environment. The shops are an important funding stream for Hospice, says Fundraising Manager Anna Hughes. “The Opotiki and Whakatane shops combined raise around 1/3rd of our annual shortfall. Donating, volunteering and shopping with us helps keep the Hospice service free and local. This means the 1 in 3 people who receive our services can live their final months with dignity and comfort, at home, where they want to be.”

“New volunteers are welcome to apply” says Mrs Wright. As life happens and circumstances change, we are constantly building our team. It’s a fun and social volunteer role where the work is spread out and everybody supports each other. Many of our volunteers go on holidays and have family commitments, and the roster is flexible around their availability. It’s a great way to support Hospice and join a community, and we have a variety of different jobs in the shop that we need help with.

Enquiries for volunteering or donations can be made by calling 07 307 2301.