New owners of 24-year-old charity shop explain why people should shop there
Chris and George Rockingham with dogs Ralph and Siri. PHOTO: Chris Rockingham - Credit: Archant
The incoming new owners of a charity shop run by volunteers for 24 years have said why they think customers should keep visiting.
The Macmillan Cancer Support shop in Hethersett. Picture by SIMON FINLAY.
As of next month, the Macmillan Cancer Support charity shop in Hethersett will be run by PACT, an animal sanctuary based in Hingham. The shop, based on Great Melton Road, will be PACT's 12th charity shop.
George Rockingham, who runs PACT with his wife Chris, said: 'We are continuing to open shops, it's the only way we can increase our income. We have got to find ways of raising money or cut down on our costs, so we need all the help we can get at the moment.
'For example, hedgehogs are coming in at a rate of three or four a day and it costs about £15,000 to look after them all. Imagine having 350 hedgehogs, we have got to feed them all, and you have got to employ at least two people to make sure they are well cared for and fed. That's the way things are. There are so many animals looking for homes.
'I'm certain that the shop will be well attended and make money for the animals. It will be a standard charity shop selling everything we can get our hands on.'
Chris and George Rockingham of PACT with a hedgehog. PHOTO: Chris Rockingham - Credit: Archant
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Since opening in 1993, the Macmillan Cancer Support shop on Great Melton Road in Hethersett has raised more than £1,000,000 to help people affected by cancer.
The shop is run by members of the Hethersett Committee and more than 60 dedicated shop volunteers who have all generously given up their time to support Macmillan. The Hethersett shop will continue to receive donations of unwanted clothing until November 1 2018.
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Mr Rockingham said: 'I understand there's feelings in the village against the fact that Macmillan have closed down.
'However of the volunteers there at this moment at least 10 have said they would like to sign up. Of course I said they can and they can go around our other shops to see how they run.
The staff at Hethersett Macmillan Cancer Support shop get into the festive spirit PHOTO: Peter Steward - Credit: Peter Steward
'We will re-vamp the shop to our normal standards and a new mobile manager is moving in, he's a particularly capable person.
'All of those volunteers will join us that first week and talk about how we can do this. They all are welcome.'
To find out more about PACT visit www.pactsanctuary.org or call 01362 820775.
Chris and George Rockingham with Pascal the chamelion. PHOTO: Chris Rockingham - Credit: Archant
