On Thursday 2nd June, popular radio DJ and fashion designer Noreen Khan officially opened Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice’s newest charity shop.
BBC Asian Network presenter, Noreen cut the ribbon and welcomed the first shoppers through the doors of the new shop on Gooch Street, Highgate. She was joined by staff, local residents and Hospice supporters who celebrated the opening of the charity’s 15th shop to be opened in Birmingham.
Following the grand opening, shoppers enjoyed food and drink as they browsed for a bargain or two. To kick-start the Ramadan celebrations, samosas were kindly donated by Birmingham fast food chain Big John’s, who have a takeaway next door.The Highgate shop will also be supporting Big John’s official charity the ‘Anzal Begum Foundation’ by setting up a food bank point in store.
Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice Head of Trading Ian Miller said: “Opening our 15th charity shop is a great achievement. Our charity shops play an important part in raising funds for the Hospice and we hope our Highgate shop is a welcome addition to area. I would like to say a big thank you to Noreen Khan, Big John’s, Anzal Begum Foundation and to everyone else who turned out to support the grand opening. We look forward to your continued support and to build more relationships with the local community.”
It costs around £8 million each year to run Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice which offers free care for over 1,200 terminally ill patients and their families in Birmingham and Sandwell. The shop welcomes donations of good quality items including clothing, shoes, toys, books, CDs and DVDs and household goods. All profits made from sales go to the Hospice.
On opening the new Highgate shop, Noreen Khan said: “It was a pleasure opening the Highgate charity shop and it was great to see so many locals popping in to support. I’d encourage everyone to donate their clothes, shoes and bags to their local charity shops.”
The Highgate shop, located at 291 Gooch Street will be open 9-5pm, Monday to Saturday.
As part of Volunteers Week (1-12 June), the Hospice is also looking for local people to volunteer at its shops to help raise much-needed funds. If you are interested in volunteering, please visit www.birminghamhospice.org.uk or call 0121 472 1191.
