A plea from the heart from Edinburgh charity shops

A “robust reopening plan” has been put in place as Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland prepares to welcome customers back to its stores across Edinburgh.
Manager Remony Kerray, left, and  volunteer Val Smith prepare for the reopening of the CHSS charity shop in StockbridgeManager Remony Kerray, left, and  volunteer Val Smith prepare for the reopening of the CHSS charity shop in Stockbridge
Manager Remony Kerray, left, and volunteer Val Smith prepare for the reopening of the CHSS charity shop in Stockbridge

With lockdown losses of £500,000 a month, following the closure of its 45 shops and postponement of fundraising events, the charity is urging supporters to help replenish stocks with much-needed donations.

The nationwide reopening programme will begin tomorrow with a cluster of boutiques in the Capital - at Bruntsfield, Morningside, Stockbridge and Portobello.

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In a bid to tempt back shoppers in search of one-of-a-kind labels and vintage finds, new safety measures have been put in place - including a new system for receiving and handling donations - to protect customers, volunteers and staff.

“All stock will be quarantined for 72 to reduce the risk of contamination and stock will be carefully dated with sorting areas in store to allow a safe processing system,” said head of retail Carole Edmonds. “We are installing cough screens, hand sanitising stations and limiting the number of people allowed in the shop at any one time. Masks will be provided for all staff and volunteers and customers can use contactless payments and cash.”

CHSS Chief executive Jane-Claire Judson added: “We’ve been unable to raise money through our shops for the past three months and because of this our lifeline services have been under serious pressure.

“That is why it’s been so important for us to develop a robust reopening plan and why we’re taking every precaution to ensure that our shops are clean and safe.

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“Many of us have been clearing out during lockdown and we want people to know that their donation means more to us than just a donation, it means that with your help, we can continue to support people across Scotland to do more than survive. Every donation will help someone to get from hospital to home – and really live again.”

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