Expansion makes Stafford charity ‘superstore’ the largest in the area
The official reopening of a Stafford charity shop is to take place later this month making it the largest of its kind in the area. Katharine House Hospice’s shop, in St Albans Road, has undergone extensive work and has expanded into next door making it over 19,000 sq ft.
The charity has been providing expert care for families living with incurable illnesses for 35 years and its retail operation provides a vital revenue stream to fund this.
“We simply wouldn’t be able to provide the care that we do without our shops,” said Samantha Lester, Outpatients Staff Nurse.
Last year Katharine House Hospice’s retail operation contributed £1.6 million to fund its palliative care and support services and the charity helped more than 2,000 families.
Since opening in 2008 the shop on St Albans Road has contributed almost £6 million to care costs. In addition to 12 staff, the site has 13 volunteers delivering an average of around 100 voluntary hours per week.
The Katharine House Hospice Superstore will offer 35% discount on all items during the opening day to mark the charity’s 35th anniversary.
The Mayor of Stafford, Councillor Frank James will cut the ribbon and his daughter, Mayoress Mrs Sara Peters will also attend the official opening on Friday, 31 January.
Shoppers will have the chance to grab a bargain as the doors open at 10.30 am and to see the charity’s 35th Anniversary film on the in-store screens.
Shop Manager, Estelle Hayward, said: “This expansion project shows a real commitment to making life easier, not just for our shoppers and people who donate, but for all families living with an incurable disease. Our retail operation exists purely to fund this specialist care.”
The new unit will be used as a donation processing area, meaning that all of the space in the original area can be used for retail sales.
“We can now take even more donations and ultimately contribute even more funds to securing free, expert care for the people of Stafford and the surrounding areas,” Estelle continued.
Simon Dodd, Retail General Manager, said: “Since 1989, Katharine House Hospice has cared for more than 30,000 patients and their families. All donations and purchases in our shops help Katharine House Hospice continue to provide this free specialist care.”
The 35% discount will be offered from opening at 10.30am until the shop closes at 4.45 pm on Friday, 31 January.
