Winchester High Street boasts a new Charity Christmas Card shop from this week. Located in the old Whittard’s shop (next to Costa) the shop will sell cards and gifts on behalf of local and national charities until the middle of December.
The arrival of the shop was welcomed by the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Patrick Cunningham and Winchester MP, Mr Steve Brine and who both visited this week on the first day of trading.
“This is great news for Winchester,” said Mr Brine. “The Charity Christmas card shop has long been a fixture in the city and it was very sad news that because of Coronavirus it was no longer possible to hold it in the Tourist Information Centre.
“But cometh the hour and cometh the ladies….I’m really grateful to Cathy Wallis for stepping forward and working with Cards for Good Causes. She and local area manager Sarah Armstrong have worked tirelessly to develop this project and ensure the shop has been able to open on time.”
Cllr Cunningham also expressed his pleasure that charity cards will continue to be available locally. “I know a lot of people like to support good causes when they buy their annual Christmas Cards. This charity shop ensures that a high proportion of the sales price will go directly to help those organisations.
“The shop has a great location and I hope lots of people will be passing through the doors over the coming weeks.”
National fundraisers, Cards for Good Causes are a non-profit enterprise and all profits are returned to the charities who take part. In addition to 27 national charities a number of local charities are also selling cards in the Winchester shop. These include Winchester Hospice, Friends of Southampton Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Friends of Alton Abbey, Winchester Churches Nightshelter, Winchester Excavations Committee, Home-Start Winchester and Districts, Friends of Winchester Cathedral and Water Harvest.
Cathy Wallis said she was delighted with footfall on the first day.
“Please do pop in and see us. There are display copies on view and we will pick your order straight from the stock room. This is to limit the handling of stock - our volunteer staff will have full and frequent access to hand sanitizer!”
Cathy also made an appeal for volunteers to help run the shop and ensure it can remain throughout the Christmas trading period. To find out more email Cathy on: [email protected]
The shop is open between 10am and 4pm, Monday to Saturday, 19th October to 19th December.
Pictured; Steve Brine and the Mayor meeting the team
