Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ealing’s Charity Christmas Card shop celebrated its 40th anniversary this week, reopening with festive designs, community support, and a boost for local good causes.
Along with representatives from several of the shop’s charities, Ealing Mayor Cllr Anthony Kelly was there to commemorate the event.
Sue Green, co-founder in 1985 of the shop, said:
“Unlike many other charity card sales, we send 100% of the money taken directly back to the charities.
Thanks to our fantastic helpers, who come back every year, we’ve raised close to £1m since 1985 for around 100 different charities.”
In addition to seasonal goods like calendars, wrapping paper, gift tags, and postage stamps, the all-volunteer store offers cards from 32 organizations.
The store, which is located at the Church of Christ the rescuer on New Broadway, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. until December 18.
Action Aid, Age UK Ealing, Alzheimer’s Society, Book Aid International, Bereaved, Bridge of Hope, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research UK, Cardiac Risk in the Young, CAFOD, Combat Stress, and Cystic Fibrosis Trust are among the charities that will profit from the trade of the cards.
Epilepsy Research UK, Ealing Samaritans, Ealing Amnesty International, Diabetes UK, musketeers of Hammersmith Hospital, Meadow House Hospice, Mind, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Multiple Sclerosis Trust, Facing the World, Freedom From Torture.
Save the Children, Soil Association, Parkinson’s UK, RNLI, Society of St. Vincent de St. Paul, Transform Trade, Stella Maris- Apostleship of the Sea, and St. Mark’s Hospital Foundation Trust.
Save the Children, Soil Association, Parkinson’s UK, RNLI, Society of St. Vincent de St. Paul, Transform Trade, Stella Maris – Apostleship of the Sea, and St. Mark’s Hospital Foundation Trust.
What challenges has the shop faced over the years, and how were they overcome?
Maintaining a strong base of devoted levies to run the shop during the busy Christmas period has been a continual challenge. The shop has overcome this by fostering a passionate levy community and counting on word- of- mouth and original engagement.
As an entirely levy- run charity shop that donates 100% of proceeds directly to charities, the shop operates on veritably tight perimeters. It has managed to sustain itself through harmonious community support and effective fundraising.
The Ealing shop has responded by emphasizing its unique charitable model and particular client experience to retain support. Over its history, the shop has had to acclimatize to changes in venue and original retail geographies, staying accessible and visible to shoppers in Ealing.
