A NEW charity shop is opening its doors for the first time this week in Malmesbury.
Mercy in Action, which is a charity committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, is opening up a new shop in Malmesbury High Street.
The new branch will be opening in the old Barclays bank premises after it closed in 2019.
Manager Sam Baker said she was ‘thrilled’ to be opening the shop.
“I am thrilled to be starting 2023 by opening a brand new shop and leading a team of staff and recruiting a new team of volunteers,” she said.
“I’ve always enjoyed visiting Malmesbury and people I’ve met are very welcoming.
“The funds raised every day in all our retail shops is vital to continue the work Mercy in Action does in the Philippines and here in the UK.
“For me, being a part of the fundraising efforts is very important and generating income from customers' donations makes the job very rewarding.”
The team say they will be selling vintage treasures, clothing for all ages as well as toys and homeware.
The charity launched 20 years ago in 2003 working with some of the poorest communities in the Philippines.
It has now started a variety of initiatives in the UK providing housing, care and food, to people in need through their projects including Action Pantry, Clothesline, The Petra Project, and The Petra Pad.
Allison Todd, Project Director said: “Through Action Pantry, we make nourishing food accessible to people living in some of the most deprived areas in England.
“It originally began as a local initiative in 2019 to make affordable food easily accessible to people experiencing financial hardship and/or health issues.
“While our aim at the Clothesline is to make sure that no child has to go without clothing and shoes.
“Our Petra project provides supported accommodation to young mothers and mothers-to-be.
“Petra homes are safe and secure, nurturing an environment where mums and babies can build strong and loving attachments.
"We strive to be inclusive, caring and welcoming for every family.”
The shop is set to open on Friday (February 10) at 9am at 30-32 High Street.
The charity shop is currently looking for volunteers to join their team.
You can contact the shop at 01666 238955.
For more information about Mercy in Action, you can visit their website, here - www.mercyinaction.org.uk/our-work
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here