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Three Concern shops in the running for UK’s favourite charity shop award
Volunteers at Concern's Ballycastle shop - some of whom have been volunteering for more than 40 years. Photo: Concern Worldwide
We're excited to announce that three of Concern Worldwide's shops are in the running for the UK’s favourite charity shop award. Our shops in Ballycastle, Holywood and Ormeau Road, Belfast are among only six charity shops in Northern Ireland to make it through to the regional final of the competition - out of almost 6,500 nominations. And are in with a chance to scoop the UK title.
Organised by the Charity Retail Association, a public vote will decide 12 regional winners across the UK, and one overall winner which will be announced at a special event in November.
Voting is quick and easy - so vote for Concern and pass on the word!
What nominators said
As part of the selection process, nominators praised the Ballycastle shop for its “welcoming volunteers” and “hidden gems” and said it “serves the local community, with the whole town popping in for a bargain or holiday makers picking up essentials they may have forgotten.”
[They] really care about their role and what the charity does
The Holywood bookshop was commended for its “fantastic selection of books and lovely staff” and recognised the shop’s volunteers as “friendly and helpful and make the shop a wonderful asset in this local village”.
Concern Holywood bookshop volunteers, wife and husband team, Gillian and Richard. Photo: Darren Vaughan/Concern Worldwide
Nominators applauded the Ormeau Road shop as "very pleasant" with a "great atmosphere and excellent stock and is always clean and bright" and volunteers who "really care about their role and what the charity does".
Millions raised over the years
It's not hard to overemphasise the impact of Concern's shops. Through the years, the three nominated shops have raised a staggering more than £3 million.
Our Ballycastle shop was the first Concern shop to open in Northern Ireland after a group of local volunteers decided to support our emergency response to the devastating famine in Ethiopia in 1983. Since then, the shop has raised more than £2.5 million for Concern’s work fighting extreme poverty around the world.
Ormeau Road shop volunteers Gerardine Sloan and Pat Magee with Pauline Dawson. Photo: Darren Vaughan/Concern Worldwide
Both the Ormeau Road shop and Holywood bookshop opened their doors in 2017. Over the past seven years, more than £304,000 has been raised by the Ormeau Road shop and £250,000 by the Holywood bookshop.
And let's not forget our other brilliant shops, staff and volunteers too – in Derry, Newcastle and Antrim Road and Andersonstown Road, Belfast.
Get behind our incredible shop staff and volunteers, and vote for them
Aileen McKee, Concern’s Retail Manager, said: “We’re so pleased that three of our shops have been shortlisted out of thousands of nominations from across the UK. It’s a true reflection of the dedication and commitment of our volunteers and staff who work hard to keep the shop doors open.
"I’d encourage everyone to get behind our incredible shop staff and volunteers, and vote for them so that they have the best chance to win. Every vote counts!”
Other ways to help
Donate now
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Become a corporate supporter
We partner with a range of organisations that share our passion and the results have been fantastic.
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Raise money for Concern by organising your own charity fundraising event.
