Michael Sobell Hospice Charity has today announced the closure of its charity shop in Ruislip.
With the lease on the shop coming to an end in October, and, considering the decline of the high street in recent years and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on both footfall and sales, the Charity’s Trustee Board has taken the enormously difficult decision to cease trading.
The shop has been a long-standing feature on the Ruislip high street, first opening its doors in July 1999. Since then, thanks to an amazingly dedicated team of staff and volunteers, the shop has generated thousands of pounds to support local people with life limiting illnesses cared for at Michael Sobell Hospice, Northwood.
Michael Breen, Chair of Trustees at Michael Sobell Hospice Charity, said: “We are extremely sad to have to announce the closure of our Ruislip shop, but we would like to say a massive thank you to all the staff and volunteers who have worked at the shop over the past 20 years and to all our loyal customers and donors.”
He added: “This has been a really challenging year financially for the charity and the closure of the Ruislip shop is yet another blow. We need to raise £1.8m each year for the Hospice team to continue providing exceptional care, but we are committed to ensuring this happens whatever obstacles may stand in our way. We would like to extend a special thank you to the staff and volunteers who have agreed to stay on at the shop during these final weeks.”
The shop’s last trading day will be Thursday 15th October, with an end of lease sale beginning on Monday 21st September. The Charity’s two other shops in Northwood and Eastcote, will remain open and are accepting donations of high quality goods, especially bric-a-brac and winter clothes.
-ENDS-
