Macclesfield Express

Charity on route out of shop lockdown

- ALEX SCAPENS

ACHARITY has revealed how it has kept afloat during the Covid crisis – including selling its shop goods on eBay.

The Bridgend Centre, on Palmerston Street, Bollington, has now reopened its shop and donations can be dropped off by appointmen­t with a limit of four bags. But during lockdown the store, which is a vital source of fundraisin­g, had to remain shut so the charity used eBay to earn some much-needed income.

Virtual meetings continue to be held with those who use the Bridgend Centre’s services and it has sent out a weekly newsletter for the last five months.

The charity’s regular programme of walks will restart this month although there will be a lower limit of eight participan­ts each time.

When social distancing regulation­s permit it is hoped that activities will be able to be held in person at the centre.

Further funds of £2,045 were raised by the Virtual Bollington Nostalgia Hill Race this summer and other activities are planned.

Patron of the charity, MP David Rutley, was given a tour of the centre by manager Rebecca Lea and an update on how it is surviving the pandemic.

He said: “I was pleased to visit the Bridgend Centre once again and see firsthand the important work the team is continuing to do in challengin­g circumstan­ces on behalf of local

“I would encourage people to go on supporting the centre by either donating items or visiting the shop.

“As patron, I will continue to do all I can to support Rebecca and the Bridgend Centre Team in achieving their vital and ambitious plans for the future.”

To make an appointmen­t to drop off shop donations, contact the centre on 01625 576311.

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 ??  ?? MP David Rutley at the Bridgend Centre with manager Rebecca Lea
MP David Rutley at the Bridgend Centre with manager Rebecca Lea
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