A new chapter officially began for Home-Start Aberdeen this week as the local family support charity celebrated the opening of its new charity shop at 93-99 George Street with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The ribbon was cut by long standing shop volunteer Sheila Murray, who has volunteered with Home-Start for 21 years, both as a home-visiting and shop volunteer. Joined by supporters, volunteers, staff and members of the local community the event marked the culmination of months of work to transform the former Santander building into a warm, welcoming space that will serve both as a retail outlet and a vital source of funding for the charity’s services.
Cameron McCready, Chief Executive of Home-Start Aberdeen, said: “This space represents more than just a shop. Every sale helps us support families across Aberdeen, many of whom live within close proximity.
“Having opened just last week, we’re especially proud to share that on opening day, the shop achieved its highest-ever daily sales, breaking the previous record by a significant margin. It’s a powerful reflection of what this new premises means, not just to us, but to the local community. The feedback from customers has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re excited to build on this momentum in the weeks ahead.
“A huge thank you to everyone who helped make this possible. From the businesses, community groups, volunteers and staff members who rolled up their sleeves during the refurbishment, to those who donated stock, shared kind words, or simply popped in during our first week. It’s been a real community effort and we’re incredibly grateful.”
The new shop which replaces Home-Start Aberdeen’s previous premises just a few doors down, is designed to be welcoming, inclusive and accessible, creating an enjoyable experience for shoppers, donors, and volunteers alike. The larger space allows for a broader range of stock, including affordable clothing, children’s toys and books, homeware, and gift items.
Sheila who performed the ribbon-cutting, commented: “It’s a real honour to help celebrate this fantastic milestone with Home-Start.
“It’s been such a special part of my life to volunteer with the charity for the past 21 years. The shop has given me purpose, connection and joy. I’ve seen firsthand the difference it makes not only to families supported by the charity, but to customers and our close-knit team of volunteers too.
“Having the chance to cut the ribbon on this new shop is an incredibly proud moment.”
Sheila’s son also played a key role behind the scenes in bringing the new shop to life. Working alongside the charity, he successfully nominated them for a philanthropic grant through his London-based employer’s staff giving programme to mark her 21 years of volunteering with Home-Start Aberdeen and all this has brought to her life.
The significant funding awarded through this initiative was instrumental in enabling the shop’s move to its new George Street premises, and without it, the relocation would not have been possible.
Home-Start Aberdeen has been working with local families in Aberdeen for over 30 years, providing emotional and practical support to those with young children. Proceeds from the new shop will go directly toward sustaining and expanding these services.
The charity is now encouraging the public to donate pre-loved goods, volunteer time, or simply pop in and support the shop by picking up a bargain.