Ripon’s Oxfam shop is reopening for the first time in more than a year today.
The charity’s premises on Fishergate has been shut since the first covid lockdown last March.
Walter de Buck, area manager for Oxfam’s retail outlets in North and East Yorkshire, told the Stray Ferret:
“It has been frustrating being closed for this extended period of time. We are pleased to be reopening in Ripon and thank our supporters for their patience.”
Doors will open at 9am.
Newly appointed shop manager Arlene O’Hara said:
“We are raring to go and excited that the day has finally come.”
Among her tasks will be to recruit a team of volunteers willing to lend a hand.
Mr de Buck explained:
“The principal reason for being closed for so long is because many of the volunteers we rely upon have been shielding during the pandemic.”
Anybody considering volunteering can email [email protected] or call 01765 601441.
Also on Fishergate, Victoria Smith, manager of The Salvation Army charity shop, has been putting the finishing touches to her window displays.
She said:
“We have received 1.5 tonnes of spring and summer clothing and have been putting selected goods out on the rails in readiness for reopening.”
The donated items have come from clothing banks in and around Ripon and the surrounding area.
Following the pre-Christmas opening of the Martin House store, the city now has 10 charity shops.
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Each plays a role in raising much-needed funds for causes ranging from end-of-life care for children and adults to supporting disabled people and the treatment of animals.