Two charities, based in Harrogate, have combined efforts to bring plans back on track for a new shop to open on Oxford Street.
Artizan International was struggling to meet its planned opening date of October 13 after Covid impacted its funding.
The charity offers local craft sessions for disabled people but the pandemic put its mission on.
The organisation also works with groups in Peru and Ecuador to design and produce fabrics used to make crafts for the charity to sell. Funding from these crafts allows the charity to continue supporting those struggling with poverty abroad.
But the lockdown in South America halted the supply chain, leaving the charity without the merchandise to sell in order to support those relying on them.
This prompted Harrogate Scrubbers to step in.
During the height of the pandemic the volunteers provided over 3,000 sets of scrubs for local health facilities and were just as keen to step in to help Artizan International sew some of the crafts.
Susie Hart, chief executive and founder of Artizan International, said:
“Our goal has been to empower and support differently abled people to provide them with the same opportunities in life, and in developing countries an income and employment so they can support their own families.
“The recent amazing donation of the premises on Oxford Street was a dream come true as it provided us with premises to showcase their work and increase the revenue we can generate for them.
“We are so grateful to the people who have come forward to help.”
The charity was overwhelmed by the support it received following its social media plea for volunteers.
Claire Strachan, a member of Harrogate Scrubbers, said:
“We have a group of over 850 volunteers who were an unstoppable team, with many feeling lost when the appeal came to an end. Asking the group to support the charity has given some group members that sense of purpose back and it is so inspiring to see the enthusiasm return.”
Artizan International has long-term plans for the shop. It hopes to open a cafe and provide employment for people with hearing difficulties.
It plans to continue support those with different abilities here and abroad, providing them with skills and a way to earn an income.
