The official opening of a new charity clearance store in Bedminster saw its first customers nab bags of bargains, as ITV News personality Kylie Pentelow led the charge.
The new St Peter’s Hospice Clearance Store, located on East Street, offers thousands of items at less than £5 each. Stocked with womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, shoes, books, bric-a-brac, toys, accessories and small items of furniture, the shop generates vital income which goes towards caring for those with life-limiting illnesses in Bristol.
The latest shop follows the success of the first two St Peter’s Hospice clearance stores in Broadwalk, Knowle and Regent Street, Kingswood.
News reporter Kylie Pentelow officially opened the store and said: “I’m delighted to be able to help St. Peter’s Hospice; the work they do is astounding.
“You only encounter a hospice at the very hardest of times – when someone close really needs their help – and it’s crucial that the experience is as positive as it can be. I have recently had personal experience of this and I cannot describe the importance of their work.
“This new shop can help to continue that great work, so if you’re passing by, pop in! You might even find the odd tv presenter dress on the racks!”
As Bristol’s only adult hospice, St Peter’s Hospice cares for more than 2,000 patients each year as well as supporting family members.
All services are provided free of charge but this care costs around £19,000 a day. For around £14,000 of that, the hospice relies on gifts in wills, kind donations and funds generated by the hospice shops.
Paul Chivers, head of retail at St Peter’s Hospice said: “It costs more than ever before to run our hospice – around £19,000 a day in fact, and our 48 shops across Bristol generate a large chunk of those funds.
“Our clearance shops have proved to be hugely popular as people are keen to pick up bargains at the same time as helping the hospice.
“The quality of the stock in both our standard stores and the clearance stores is of very high quality; some items have never even been used and still have the tags on. It’s amazing what you can find.
“With this store, as ever, donations are hugely important as is the help of volunteers. Offering just a couple of hours a week of your time makes all the difference to us and will benefit you as well.
“Our volunteers develop skills which can be transferred into the paid workplace and we offer great work experience for students or those who may wish to broaden their abilities.”
