The generosity of residents in Stanley has shone through after our charity shop in the town exceeded £100,000 in donated stock sales for the first time.
Supporters of Willow Burn Hospice's Stanley branch made it a record breaking year for the shop as they raised a six figure amount for 2023-2024 through the sale of items donated directly to the shop.
It is the first time any of the hospice's three shops have passed the £100k mark.
Sally Ruddle, the manager of the Stanley shop, was full of praise for the North East community in helping achieve the milestone sales figure.
She said: “It's hard to sum up just how grateful we are for the amazing contributions of people who donate items and our customers, because they are the lifeblood of this shop.
“Our wonderful volunteers create a great atmosphere where people want to come in and have a browse and a natter, and I'm always amazed at how far some travel from across the North East to visit.
“I thank my volunteers every day because they are crucial to the success of the shop, and we couldn't achieve what we do without their great work and positivity.”
Olga Milburn has volunteered at the shop for the past 17 years and is well-known across Stanley through her former roles as mayor, county councillor and district councillor, and current town councillor.
She said: “The people of Stanley have shown time and again that they are some of the most generous around. They always look after their own and there's not a charity around which won't receive great support from such a fantastic community.
“Raising such a remarkable amount for Willow Burn Hospice illustrates just how kind and supportive the people of Stanley are, and how valued the vital end-of-life services the hospice provides to the communities of the former district of Derwentside truly are.”
Our charity shops contribute a significant percentage to the overall funds raised to provide the vital healthcare services to the community.
All three shops have experienced increased sales of stock, however, there is still a need for more donations.
Rachel Quince, the hospice's Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Fundraising & Marketing, said: “We couldn't be more thankful for the generosity of people across the North East who choose Willow Burn Hospice to donate their goods to.
“We would always encourage people to donate wherever possible because the stock we are receiving is flying out as fast as it's coming in.”
Willow Burn Hospice has had a presence in Stanley for the past two decades, and is currently helped by 12 volunteers.
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