OXFAM celebrated 50 years in Barnard Castle with the re-opening of its revamped store.
The charity shop was closed for six weeks while contactors stripped the building, replacing flooring and carpeting and carrying out a complete redecoration. The roof was also repaired.
To mark the reopening of the shop, an open day is being held on Saturday, October 7, to show off the new look and attract new volunteers.
Manager Naila Laundy said: “Everything is new in here, except the people.
“It has made the shop brighter and made the back area, where the volunteers work, a much more friendly space because there is a lot of work in the background.
“I think the contractors have done an absolutely amazing job – it is like coming into a new building.
“I do hope that when people come in they will see how much work has gone into it, and how much effort was done by the volunteers to make the shop look so beautiful.
“We are celebrating 50 years of Oxfam in this building which is a testament to the people of Barnard Castle and the support from the local community. This is like a thank you to the community as well so they can have this refreshed shop.”
With the shop now open again, donations of clothes, accessories, books and homewares are welcome along with unwanted gifts to sell for Christmas.
Volunteers are needed to cover shop and back office roles and support the online sales team at the Barnard Castle shop. Full training will be provided.
For details, contact Mrs Laundy at oxfamshopf0410 @oxfam.org.uk or call in for a volunteer application form. Online volunteer applications can be made at www.oxfam.org.uk. Go to the get involved link to apply online.
