A VILLAGE charity shop that reopened for the first time in seven months will hold a raffle for a signed Ant and Dec book.
The Dyserth NSPCC shop was shut after the coronavirus lockdown in March and weeks just a few weeks later suffered a break-in by thieves who stole silver jewellery and set a collection tin on fire.
The charity shop, which has 50 volunteers on its weekly rota, has been run in the village for nearly 20 years and the closure had a knock-on effect on the Denbighshire-based support services including Childline in Prestatyn where some donations are sent.
However volunteers are said to be delighted after its reopening on Friday, November 13, which was boosted after confirmation that a signed book will be donated by TV stars Ant and Dec, who are currently filming this year’s ‘I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here!’ TV show at Gwrych Castle.
A signed book will also be donated to the Childline service in Prestatyn, which provides over-the-phone counselling to children and young people across North Wales experiencing problems including abuse, mental illness and bullying.
The donations were organised by the NSPCC as the presenting duo are linked to the charity as hosts of its virtual Speak Out. Stay Safe primary school ceremonies, which help pupils to be aware of different types of abuse and how they can speak to a trusted adult about it.
“This year has brought with it so much uncertainty – first the break-in and then the impact of the global health crisis,” said Jess Finnegan, NSPCC community fundraising manager for North Wales.
“It’s so good to finally reopen our doors with the help from the local community. Our volunteers are eager to be back in and we are excited to welcome back our regular customers and members of the public to our store.
“Our priority remains the safety of our volunteers and customers and so there are new measures in place to adhere to social distancing guidelines.”
Supporting the children’s charity has been a community tradition with a fundraising committee formed in Dyserth more than 90 years ago to help raise funds for the children’s charity.
Following several pop-up charity shops, the first permanent community store in North Wales was opened in 2003 before being moved to the current location near Dyserth High Street in 2018.
Annette Edwards, chair of the Dyserth NSPCC shop, said: “We are delighted to reopen the doors to our community shop. We have missed being with our team of volunteers and our fantastic customers and are looking forward to welcoming them back again.”
For more information about the Dyserth NSPCC and raffle, visit the shop off Dyserth High Street.
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