The Mayor of Milton Keynes visited the new store at The Point to officially announce its opening.
Councillor Amanda Marlow, Mayor of MK, got to see first-hand how Willen Hospice has transformed the former bingo hall into a retail space that is providing a new way for the charity to raise funds.
During the opening celebrations Mark Rawlins, Associate Director of Commercial at Willen Hospice said “This was no ordinary makeover. Sustainability was at the heart of the whole project, and with a limited budget, we used every opportunity to re-use and recycle, and accepted donations of materials, skills and labour.
"We are grateful to have acquired retail fixtures and fittings, carrier bags, barriers and donated TVs as display screens in store.”
Original fittings were kept where possible and the counter housing the till area was decorated with donated paint.
The charity also had help from numerous local business volunteers who painted the interior.
The Hospice was able to raise funds from the sale of recycled metal and wood when the team dismantled over 400 tables and chairs, courtesy of the generous landlords.
Mark said “A huge tribute to staff, volunteers, supporters, media and social media bloggers who help to champion the Hospice, our retail offering and fundraising events. Without our supporters who donate their items and visit our shops, we would simply not have the resources to continue offering free care to patients and their families.
"It’s these incredible people who make a difference; to keep our shops growing and expanding, and to help us to re-use and recycle fashion and household items”
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- 1Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
- Willen Hospice Charity Shop
In cutting the ribbon, the Mayor was accompanied by nurses from Willen Hospice and the winner of a social media competition. The competition, asking people to express ‘What Willen means to me’ was to find a champion amongst the Hospice’s many supporters.
Rachel Hutchinson was randomly selected as the winner of £100 voucher and a VIP shopping day. Her moving post explained the special care that she and her family had experienced at Willen Hospice at a very difficult time of their lives.
Winner of the social media competition, Rachel Hutchinson said: “Willen hospice will always have an incredibly special place in my heart. My 1st husband and I were married at the hospice, 2 days before he passed away. I am so grateful that the staff managed to arrange it for us and that, in the end, I got to call him my husband. I will never forget their kindness, care and compassion.”
The prizes for the winner and four runners-up were kindly donated by Jardine MINI.
The new store is located at 602 Midsummer Boulevard, Central Milton Keynes, MK9 3NB and is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4pm.
