PRESTON shoppers can grab a bargain in time for Christmas, with the grand opening of a brand new Derian House charity shop in the city centre today (Monday, 7 December, 2020).
Leo Cliffe, one of the young people cared for by the Chorley-based children’s charity, cut the ribbon to officially declare the new store open this morning.
Leo, 20, who lives in Coppull, Chorley, said: “I love coming to Derian House because it gives me a chance to meet up with my friends and have fun. The staff are lovely and it feels like home.”
Shoppers had been waiting outside the store all morning eager to grab a bargain at the new shop – billed as ‘not your usual charity shop’.
The store is bright and airy and focuses on high quality pre-loved furniture, designer clothing, vintage jewellery and handbags.
There’s also toys, electrical goods, music and a whole range of brand new Christmas decorations and trinkets.
Located on Fishergate (opposite KFC) the shop is the charity’s first city centre location, and joins the retail network of shops in Chorley, Leyland, Horwich and a warehouse in Adlington.
Leo was joined by the charity’s patron, TV star and performer Kiki Deville, who helped mark the official opening in style.
Kiki, whose baby son Dexter was cared for at Derian House, said: “My message for shoppers is that you really need to come down, there are so many bargains at the new shop – and loads of designer items too! We really need your support at the moment because we’ve not been able to have any fundraising events so the shop is really helping keep Derian afloat. So come down and do some shopping.”
David Robinson, Chief Executive of Derian House Children’s Hospice, said: “Our charity shops are a vital link in supporting the running of the hospice. It costs £4.8 million per year to run our services and with less than 10 per cent of that coming from the government, every penny people spend in our shops counts in helping us to care for local children, making sure they have chance to make happy memories with their families.”
All profits from the new shop will go towards helping care for more than 400 babies, children and young people with life-limiting illnesses from across the North West.
The charity is looking for volunteers to help run the new shop, especially people with experience in the customer services industry or a background in volunteering. If you would like to find out more, please contact Volunteer Coordinator Fran Lees on 01257 233 300 or email volunteer@derianhouse.co.uk
Donations are welcome, with a free furniture collection service offered. To arrange please call 01257 485 823, email collections@derianhouse.co.uk, or WhatsApp 07912 217028.
