Blue Cross shop appeals for volunteers on first birthday

PRESS RELEASE

11 February 2010

Blue Cross shop appeals for new volunteers on first birthday

The Blue Cross charity shop in Stow on the Wold is celebrating a successful first year in the town on Thursday 18 February, with a party for staff and customers. The shop, which was opened in style last year by designer Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, has raised over £70,000 towards the care of sick and homeless animals in its first year. The charity is now appealing for more volunteers to join the shop’s busy team.

Customers and potential volunteers are invited to pop into the shop for a celebratory slice of cake and to find out more about the work of The Blue Cross animal charity. Shop manager Susan Wathen says: “It’s been a fantastic first year here in Stow – we really feel part of the community and we’d love more local people to get involved.  We’re always busy and need extra help sorting donations, displaying stock in the shop and operating the till. It’s not too late to make volunteering your new year’s resolution!”

There will also be a canine visitor joining the celebrations from 11am in the form of Meg, a German shepherd dog, with her owner Shelley Tester who works at The Blue Cross animal adoption centre in Burford. Proceeds from sales in the shop go towards the care of homeless animals at the charity’s adoption centres, so customers can find out from Shelley how their money helps.

The Blue Cross receives no government funding and relies on the support of the public to continue its work, so donations of clothes, books and household goods are always welcome. Susan continues: “As the snow is clearing away, thoughts are turning to spring cleaning. Your useless clutter could be someone else’s treasure so please bring it along to the shop. It’s a good opportunity to get rid of those unwanted Christmas presents too!”

Anyone who is interested in joining the volunteer team should pop into the shop on Church Street for a chat with manager Susan Wathen, or call on 01451 757713.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Media are welcome to attend, please contact the press office.

The Blue Cross has opened 13 shops since 2004. There are also branches at Stroud and Tewkesbury in Gloucestershire and Summertown in Oxfordshire.

The Blue Cross shop in Stow-on-the-Wold is open Monday to Saturday 9-5pm.

The nearest Blue Cross animal adoption centre to Stow-on-the-Wold is located inBurford.  The centre in Burford was opened in 1990, and serves the counties of Oxfordshire, Wiltshire, Gloucestershire, Warwickshire, and Northamptonshire. There are facilities for up to 60 dogs and puppies, 48 cats and kittens, seven pairs of rabbits, and six guinea pigs. Hundreds of animals are successfully rehomed every year.

The Blue Cross is Britain's pet charity, providing practical support, information and advice for pet and horse owners. Through its network of animal adoption centres it rehomes thousands of animals each year. Its hospitals provide veterinary care for the pets of people who cannot afford private vets' fees.  For more information, please visit www.bluecross.org.uk

Media contact

Sophia Khan, Blue Cross press office: 020 7932 4060 or sophia.khan@bluecross.org.uk