Did you know that our village’s newest charity shop now has a new face at the helm? Stephanie Reed took over as the manager of Ruddington’s Children’s Society branch late last year.
The fundraising outlet on the corner of High Street and Easthorpe Street first opened its doors in March 2018. The charity is pleased to report that, since then, it has had a good response for donations and is now able stand on its own two feet with stock mostly donated by local people. Money raised at The Children’s Society’s shop here in Ruddington supports the charity’s work with the country’s most vulnerable children and young people – to offer them a listening ear as well as fighting against injustice, supporting children’s rights, mental health and well-being.
Stephanie (pictured top, outside the shop) told RUDDINGTON.info that she’s already enjoying her new job: “I have recently moved to Nottingham after living in Coventry and working in Birmingham for The Vegan Society as a Trademark Account Manager” she explained. “I also have many years experience in Charity retail, having worked for Oxfam as a shop manager prior to and after I finished my Fashion University degree.”
About her new role, she said: “As many of you know and appreciate, footfall is an issue in Ruddington. Many traders throughout the village are trying to encourage people to shop local and we want to encourage you to shop with us too as we have so many wonderful things for sale! Also, if you would like to get involved with our shop, please do call in and see me about doing a trial shift. It doesn’t have to be a full day, every hour is greatly appreciated. It can also be very rewarding sorting through donations and seeing all the money raised for our charity – not forgetting the social experience too!”
The charity is looking to get customer feedback, too: “What is it that people would like to see in our shop? Is there something that we don’t offer which you feel would suit Ruddington better? Do you wish we sold more toys, more homeware or even more books? Whatever your feedback may be, we want to know so we serve the community of this wonderful village.” Meantime, if you received unwanted Christmas gifts – or have good quality items you no longer need which could be sold in the shop – please do consider donating them.
Should you wish to ask a question, or offer your help, you can also call Stephanie on 0115-984-7347. Volunteers permitting, The Children’s Society Shop in Ruddington is open from 9am to 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
