Crowds gathered in Wylde Green to celebrate the launch of the John Taylor Hospice charity shop.
The store in Birmingham Road is only the second shop for the hospice which provides specialist care for people living with a terminal illness and support for their families.
The ribbon was cut by John Taylor’s Lead Nurse Jody Thompson following short speeches from hospice CEO Penny Venables and Wylde Green Councillor Alex Yip.
The charity is hoping the store will build on the success of its first retail venture which opened in Erdington High Street in May and had been hugely popular with shoppers.
“We were very keen to ensure a presence in Wylde Green as it is a vibrant shopping centre which is very close to our hospice,” said Penny. “We have been delighted at the response to our Erdington store and are confident Sutton Coldfield shoppers will ensure our second retail unit is also very successful.
“Our charity shops are bringing in much-needed income which is used to provide care and support for local families. Everyone who donates goods, volunteers or spends their money at our shops is helping us be there for families at a very difficult time.”
And she promised future John Taylor Hospice stores across the region.
“We are currently finalising deals on at least two other properties and will be aiming to open these shops in the near future. Our next shop will be in Castle Bromwich and we are looking at early December for an opening date.”
Councillor Yip said: “I was delighted to be asked to be part of this opening event. The hospice is a local charity doing so much valuable work. It’s brilliant that John Taylor Hospice now has a shop right here in Wylde Green.”
Also in attendance was Chris Brewerton, recently appointed Business Development and Relationships Manager with Sutton Coldfield, Lichfield and Tamworth Chambers of Commerce.
He said: “Our chamber is really passionate about supporting John Taylor Hospice, which is the Sutton Coldfield Chamber Charity of the Year. I visited the hospice just this week and saw for myself what a difference it is making.”
John Taylor Hospice’s charity shop at 370 Birmingham Road, Wylde Green B72 1YH is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.
Head of Retail Andrew Ray appealed to local people to donate goods for the shop.
“We would like to say thank you to everyone who had already donated items for the launch of our shops. Now we’d love to receive your clothing and accessories for women, men and children, household goods, books, CDs and DVDs, toys and bric-a-brac – by giving goods to our shops you’re helping us make every moment matter for hundreds of local families.
“Merchandise can be donated at the Wylde Green or Erdington stores where we have drop-off zones behind the shops or at our hospice in Grange Road, Erdington.”
And he added: “I am also grateful to all of our retail volunteers who are essential to the smooth-running of our shops. If anyone is interested in joining the team please drop into our shops and speak to our managers or see our website.”
