Arthur Rank Hospice Charity is delighted to invite you to the opening of their fourth high street shop, in Cottenham next Wednesday (3 May). Carly Love, Ward Matron from the Hospice’s own Inpatient Unit will join CEO of the Charity Lynn Morgan, Arthur Bear, staff, volunteers and supporters to cut the (green) ribbon on what is being billed as a flagship ‘boutique’ store for the Hospice, at 12 noon.
Shoppers and attendees will be invited to take a look around the beautifully refurbished shop (previously the old Post Office), browse pre-loved garments and vintage delights, partake in a slice of cake and join in the celebration with a glass of something fizzy. The shop joins the Hospice’s now well established high street offerings, which can be found on Mill Road and Regent Street in Cambridge and on Woollards Lane in Great Shelford. The Cottenham shop’s opening times will be 9.00am – 4.30pm Monday to Saturday.
Stock already donated by generous supporters include, fabulous designer garments and items from the likes of Jigsaw, Kaliko, Gabor to name but a few! Further good quality donations would be warmly welcomed, but please ensure these are personally handed over between the hours of 9.00am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday. Information about what can and cannot be accepted for sale by the shop can be found via the Hospice’s website at arhc.org.uk/high-street-shop.asp
Ward Matron Carly explains why she’s excited to see the latest in Arthur Rank Hospice’s retail portfolio open in Cottenham: “I have a cousin and an Aunt and Uncle who live here and I went to Cottenham Village College so I have lots of friends here and know it very well. The village already has a very supportive community: just recently they did the Yesteryear run for Arthur Rank Hospice so it was great to have residents’ support then from the village and surrounding area. It’s really positive that we now have this permanent presence here and I hope locals will come and have a nose next week, continue to support us with their high quality donations and just be aware that we’re here - should they have any questions or want to simply pop in for a chat.”
Funds raised through the Charity’s retail arm will contribute towards the £2.85 million required annually to supplement the NHS contribution and fund the extra services provided by the Hospice.
Residents from Cottenham and the surrounding area who may be interested in volunteering 3-4 hours of their time once per week or fortnight to help with the day to day running of the store, are warmly invited to attend the opening too, where they can chat to shop manager Sue and other volunteers about what would be involved: roles are very flexible and can be individually tailored to suit your available hours and preferences.
To speak to someone about volunteering ahead of the grand opening, please call either Sue Stevens in the shop itself on 01954 716233 or Vipra Jain at the Hospice on 01223 675872, or drop in to the Cottenham shop, for a chat weekdays between 9.30am and 4.30pm.
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