‘We’re so dependent on people’s goodwill, if that goes it falls apart’
With social distancing protocols set to continue for a few more weeks, local charity shops are feeling the pinch as an important source of revenue has been cut off with shops closed. Stephen Fernane chats to Catherine Casey of the Adapt Kerry Charity Shop in Tralee about the importance of their shop and the challenge it faces because of lockdown.
CONSUMER interest in charity shops has increased tenfold in recent years as people grow more conscious of recycling and up-cycling items. It’s also a way of providing extra revenue for local charities, which helps them fund important support projects. A win-win on all levels.
It’s a view shared by Catherine Casey, General Manager at the Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge in Tralee, who says the ‘feel good’ factor of supporting a local charity shop and buying pre-loved goods, is very satisfying. Adapt Charity Shop was initially set up by Kerry Women’s Refuge to create extra income to help women suffering from domestic abuse; money raised goes towards various support projects for women.
“I think it’s more acceptable now to shop in charity shops. In the case of our shop, people are helping women and children who have been victims of domestic abuse when they buy items in the shop,” Catherine says.
Like all charity shops at this time, the Adapt Women’s Charity Shop on Matt Talbot Road is finding it difficult to cope with
THE MONEY WE RAISE FROM THE SHOP ALLOWS US TO RESPOND QUICKLY TO WOMEN WHEN THEY NEED IT.
the loss of revenue. Catherine is asking people who may be thinking of doing some spring cleaning not to forget them.
“Hold on to your goods until the charity shop is in a position to accept them again,” she says.
“The money we generate from the ADAPT Charity Shop is what we call ‘unrestricted funding’. This means we, as a charity, can make our own decisions, internally, as to who needs support the most.”
The charity shop is run by Louise Hobbert and Ljilja Famardzic - both of whom have a background in retail, which means there is no shortage of innovative ideas.
Denise O’Donnell also chips in by doing a fantastic job arranging the shop’s window displays. Catherine describes their contribution as ‘ remarkable’.
“What I’m blown away by is the amount of support we get from volunteers through schools and from the general public. The goodwill of people dropping in donations that we can sell on is incredible. We have an amazing bank of volunteers who help us.”
Catherine explains that financial abuse plays a huge part in domestic violence cases as money is used as a means of control by the abuser.
“Research shows that 99.9 percent of all domestic violence contains a level of financial abuse,” Catherine says.
“Many women might have money at the initial point of separation, and when she first seeks support in a refuge. But things tighten up financially and she may suddenly find herself welfare dependant. This might be a new experience for her.
“We can help advocate on behalf of women looking for assistance as it’s important to secure that initial source of funding to help keep the show on the road. This has proven to be very good in keeping women safe, but also by keeping them in accommodation and stop bills from mounting up.
“We also help women who are leaving our premises to set up home elsewhere. This can be a whole new world and they need support,” Catherine explains.
Women’s clothing and jewellery are the shop’s main sellers, as is furniture, toys, books, CDs and various other trinkets. But it’s the ‘ loyalty’ of customers that impresses staff the most.
“The money we raise from the shop allows us to respond very quickly to women if and when they need us. We’re so dependent on people’s good will and if this goes, the whole purpose of the shop falls apart.
“We hope that when we do open again we will be supported as well as ever. I’ve no doubt the people of Tralee and Kerry will be there for us, just like they always have been,” Catherine says.
NOTE: Adapt Kerry Women’s Refuge remains open and support is available, call: 066 71 29100. Women can also get in touch via the Facebook page.