North London Hospice brings new shopping experience to Enfield

North London Hospice’s newest store has opened in the Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, Enfield.

It is the first time that the charity has had a retail presence in a shopping centre and comes after the previous local shop on Church Street closed its doors in March.

The first hospice shop opened in Wood Green in 1989 and the charity has had a store in Enfield since 1990. North London Hospice has 17 shops across the boroughs of Barnet, Enfield and Haringey and they represent the public face of the organisation.

Each year the hospice’s shops contribute more than £1 million to the charity’s running costs, which have now reach nearly £16 million. Whilst around a third of funding comes from the NHS, the rest comes from retail and fundraising. Last year the hospice launched a public campaign after a huge rise in energy costs put services under pressure.

Bambos Charalambous, parliamentary candidate for Southgate and Wood Green, has been vocal in his support for the hospice, and had the honour of opening the store. Addressing the gathered crowd, he explained how much the hospice had meant to him personally after they cared for one of his family.

Bambos Charalambous said: “I have first-hand experience of North London Hospice after they cared for a member of my family recently. They do incredible work for our community, and I am proud to be a supporter of this wonderful charity.”

Anna Cooper, Director of Fundraising and Communications said: “Our shops are more than places to come and buy second-hand goods. They are a central point of our North London community. It is fitting that our first store in a shopping centre has opened in Enfield, where one of our first shops opened more than 30 years ago. We really hope the community supports our new venture here in Palace Gardens and in return that we can strengthen our support in the community here.”

Geoffrey Hill, Patron of North London Hospice said: “Each year of the 16million it costs to run it, the hospice needs to raise more than £10 million. Our 17 shops contribute well over £1 million each year and are vital to keeping our services running to support the thousands of people we care for each year. By donating unwanted items and shopping here in our store you’re helping us to provide the best of life, at the end of life, for everyone.”

12/06/2024 18:12