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07
Dec 2024
Starbeck charity shop celebrates anniversary and long-standing volunteers
A Starbeck charity shop is celebrating its 20th anniversary today.
The Saint Michael’s Hospice store on High Street will mark the occasion alongside longstanding volunteers Jean Boyes and Ruth Usher who have been part of the team since the shop first opened.
Ms Boyes, who recently turned 92, has been volunteering with Saint Michael’s for 30 years.
She volunteers at the Starbeck shop and at the charity’s Crimple House Hospice, which cares for people affected by terminal illness across the Harrogate district.
She said:
I get more out of it than I put in. The people who come in are more friends than customers. It’s a lovely friendly shop.
I loved supporting patients on the inpatient unit. I used to make them cups of tea and scones. The relatives still come to see me in the shop over fifteen years later – I still have that rapport.
Ms Usher, who was there on the Starbeck shop’s opening day in 2004, said:
It was a wonderful time with lots of people from our little Starbeck community coming in. I’ve loved it ever since and would help out every day if I could. You can’t beat it. It has been my lifeline.
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Over the last four years, Saint Michael’s 11 shops have raised over £4.5 million to care for local people at their hospice, in the community and at home.
Shop manager Kim Mays said:
It’s difficult to put into words what our shop being here for two decades means. It’s a privilege to contribute to the care that Saint Michael’s provides, as well as be a part of the amazing Starbeck community.
We’re so grateful to our many regular customers and donors for supporting us over this time. We look forward to welcoming you to our celebration.
Starbeck shop manager Kim Mays and volunteer Jean Boyes
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