A KNOWLE charity shop has been crowned the UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards.
The Marie Curie shop on High Street was handed the award, which is run by the Charity Retail Association.
The shop’s team of staff and volunteers were presented the award by Robin Osterley, chief executive of the Charity Retail Association.
And Councillors Dave Pinwell and Edward Fitter, also attended the presentation.
Ian Frise, head of retail at Marie Curie, said: “I am incredibly proud of Retail Manager, Rowan, and the whole team at our shop in Knowle.
“They truly represent everything Marie Curie stands for – kindness, compassion and being there for people when they need it most. The shop sits at the heart of the community.
“It’s a welcoming space where people feel connected, supported and part of something bigger. Winning this award shows just how valued the team are by people in the local area.”
As part of the nomination process, customers told a story of a shop that is more than a place to pick up a second-hand bargain – it’s somewhere for people to come together, make new friends, and support an important cause.
The shop’s popularity is further demonstrated by its huge team of 41 regular volunteers.
Customers that nominated the shop said: “My top favourite feature of this charity shop is the staff – so friendly and welcoming, but also so skilled in design and window displays. They are eager to please and always helping people to find what they are looking for.”
The UK’s Favourite Charity Shop Awards highlight the value of charity shops and the enormous impact they have. More than 5,000 shops across the UK were nominated, and more than 40,000 votes were cast by the public to determine 12 regional area winners. As well as winning the West Midlands title, Marie Curie’s Knowle store also received the most votes overall, determining it as the UK winner.
Robin Osterley said: “Congratulations to the team at Marie Curie.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the shop’s fantastic team and highlights the important role the shop plays in its local community.
“The awards are a great way for people to show what charity shops mean to them, and we hope they will inspire more people to visit and support their local stores.”
Marie Curie helps people with any illness they are likely to die from including Alzheimer’s (and other forms of dementia), heart, liver, kidney and lung disease, motor neurone disease, Parkinson’s, and advanced cancer.
It is dependent on fundraising and public donations.
Support from charity shop customers helps the charity to continue to fund its hospices, nursing services across the UK and free information and support line by calling 0800 090 2309 or online here.
