Charity shop set to make a difference in new home
A charity which supports homeless, vulnerable and socially isolated people in Maidstone has itself been rehomed in a shopping centre.
Making A Difference to Maidstone (MADM) has opened in The Mall, Maidstone, after leaving its base at the former DVLA building in Queen Anne Road.
The building was cleared in anticipation of it being converted into flats, which left charity founder Amanda Sidwell appealing for help finding new premises.
Management at the shopping centre in King Street stepped in and offered the charity a space on the upper level to open a new shop, selling furniture, electrical goods and accessories with its official opening on Friday, August 25.
Mrs Sidwell said: “We are a faith-based organisation run 100% by volunteers. We bless people less fortunate with furniture and household items. Everything from a three-piece sofa to a potato peeler – if we’ve got it, we’ll bless people with it. The last few days have been amazing for us and we are eternally grateful to The Mall for their generosity and hope our new location will help us serve and support Maidstone even more.”
Suzie Brindle, marketing manager at the centre, said: “MADM is a worthy charity that goes above and beyond helping the local people in Maidstone and one that we are proud to support with a store right here in The Mall.”
MADM moved into Coronet House in September alongside another charity, Second Chance, to create a new community hub.
Despite a high profile launch attended by MP Helen Grant and Maidstone’s mayor, the other group left the premises within a few months. MADM remained rent free while the landlord tried to sell the site.
Volunteers were told to leave Coronet House in June but were later given a stay of execution.
MADM is on the upper level opposite Kikiland and next to Sports Direct.
To donate to MADM pop into the store or call 01622 687414 or 07570 025937.