Shooting Star Children’s Hospices shop in Godalming is the most-loved charity shop in the South East underlining its warm and welcoming atmosphere and fundraising achievements
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Godalming shop has taken the title of South East winner in The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.
The title was awarded in the inaugural search for the UK’s favourite charity shop. The shop was one of 6,500 nominated across the UK and claimed the winning spot in a public vote involving almost 13,000 people.
Joe Tooze, Retail Manager at Shooting Star said: “We are thrilled to be named the South East winner in the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Award! Our amazing shop manager, Julie, and her dedicated team of staff and volunteers have worked hard to create a store that the local community enjoys visiting. The shop is beautifully arranged with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Located near our hospice, Christopher’s in Guildford, our Godalming shop enjoys tremendous support from customers, volunteers and donors – all of whom we are deeply grateful for, as the funds raised in our shops makes a significant difference to the families we support.”
Shooting Star supports more than 700 children and their families throughout Surrey and across 14 boroughs of London year round who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition or who have been bereaved. Their bespoke support for families includes a comprehensive range of therapies and support groups, specialist nursing care and respite, symptom management, end-of-life care and bereavement support.
Charity shops are an institution in the UK and have seen a rise in popularity in recent years as the public look for more ways to shop sustainably, support good causes and give back to their communities. The awards are the first of their kind and were launched in June to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Charity Retail Association, the membership organisation for charity shops in the UK.
Robin Osterley, Chief Executive of the Charity Retail Association, said: “Huge congratulations to Shotting Star Children’s Hospices. This award is a testament to the dedication of the shop’s staff and volunteers, and highlights what this wonderful store means to the local community. We have been overwhelmed by the public’s response to our search for the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop, which celebrates the contribution the sector makes to communities and good causes across the UK”
The overall winner of the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop 2024 will be announced at a special event this month.
The shops are always in need of quality pre-loved items, visit Retail wish list – Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to find out what they’re after
