Community / Yell charity shop finds new home
A LONG-running Yell charity shop has found a new home after being displaced in the Covid pandemic.
Yell for Cancer Support is now located at the former cafe in Gutcher, and it opened its doors last month.
It raises money for two local cancer charities by selling on donated items.
The charity shop’s Norma Farmer said: “We’re just finding our feet in our new location, which is a large, bright and airy space, with lots of room to display our stock.
“Being situated so close to the ferry terminal makes it easy for foot passengers from Unst to come and shop, as well as enabling tourists to pop in on their way past.
“We’re also thankful to all of our volunteers and to all who’ve helped us while we were searching for new premises, moving stock and setting up the new shop – we’d never have been able to do it without the support of so many.”
The charity shop also has a Facebook page, where details of items and fundraising events can be found.
Farmer said when the charity shop first opened in the late 90s it was run from two rooms in the Aywick Shop.
It became a registered charity in 2014, and continued to operate from Aywick until 2020, when Covid-19 restrictions meant the shop had to close.
“We moved our stock to the East Yell Hall in 2021 and ran a few pop-up sales there, and eventually were able to rent the premises at Gutcher earlier this year,” Farmer said.
She added that charity shops can play a valuable role in the circular economy.
“Now, more than ever it’s vital to reduce waste, reuse and recycle materials – and our shop provides an opportunity for the community not only to do this locally, thus saving on trips to Lerwick/fuel consumption, but also allows access to cheaper goods,” Farmer said.
“It also offers volunteering and socialising opportunities for all ages and we’re really glad to get under way again.”
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