I am wondering how your shop did this year Pensionpat?
I hope it was as successful as last year.
It looked as if we would not be able to run ours this year as, for various reasons, many of the usual crew were unable to help and we could not secure any suitable premises. However, our good friends in the local 'not for profit' recycling business who have previously helped us with transport and shop furniture were very anxious to see the shop continue for its fourth year and they, together with the local third sector interface, stepped into the breach by offering part of their warehouse and the services of their volunteers.
I must admit that I was at first a bit aggrieved that someone else had, not exactly stolen but more adopted MY baby, but the new shop, run on the same principals that we established 4 years ago has been a great success, just as busy as usual at the new location, was inundated with donations from individuals and schools, community groups and even the private nursery who organised a fundraising event, bought brand new toys chosen by the wee ones and then brought them into the shop to hand them over. Best of all the new volunteers loved it and are determined to run it again next year. The left over stock has been donated to various local charities who work with children and a large sum of money raised again. Due to caring responsibilities, I was only able to do a couple of shifts in the Shop this year but that was enough to prove to me that the concept of giving families in need the means to ensure by their own efforts, that their children have a great Christmas is in safe hands for the future. I'm a very happy bunny at the moment