The annual pop-up Christmas card shop is preparing to open, giving both local and national charities a unique opportunity to sell their cards and customers the reassurance that every penny spent on the cards goes back to the charities.
Now in its 44th year, the Wilmslow shop will open upstairs in Wilmslow library on Saturday 31st October for six weeks, closing on Saturday 12th December. This year they have 53 charities represented over the six shops, all of whom participate free of charge. New charities joining this year are Cystic Fibrosis, Pancreatic Cancer, Hope (Macclesfield Churches outreach), Beacon Counselling and Time Out.
Shop founder and organizer Sheila Hallas MBE said, "Our costs are substantial and we cover these by the selling gifts. This year they are an eclectic mix of fun items, quality gloves and scarves, toys, games and quirky things!"
The margin the volunteers make on the gifts and stocking fillers goes to cover their costs such as room rental, publicity and bank charges which enables them to ensure that charities get 100% of the card price paid.
Since the enterprise started back in 1971 they have raised over £4.75m for the participating local and national charities, and last year alone they raised over £100,000 with over a quarter of a million cards sold from their shops.
Sheila added "We are all volunteers, several hundred of us, and we look forward to seeing as many of you as can come."
The Wilmslow shop will be open from 9am to 5pm from Mondays to Saturdays, with late opening until 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays.
