Volunteer call: First Oxfam superstore on island of Ireland to open in Co Down

THE first ever Oxfam superstore on the island of Ireland is set to open its doors in Holywood next week, offering womenswear, menswear, homeware and a range of vintage and designer items.

The charity’s popular Holywood High Street shop has been in the same spot for 30 years, but now it is moving to much bigger premises at the former Factory Shop on Church Road.

Trevor Anderson, director of trading at Oxfam Ireland, said: “I am delighted that Oxfam will be opening their first superstore in Ards and North Down.

“This will not only help to raise more vital funds for their lifesaving work around the world but will also create new jobs and volunteering opportunities for local people.

“Support from local people will be vital to its success so I would encourage everyone to show their support by either shopping, donating or volunteering at Oxfam.”

The charity is recruiting new volunteers to join the team and support its bid to increase sustainable shopping.

“The people who volunteer and support our shops are what truly makes them super,” said Trevor.

“We’re calling on people to be part of our exciting expansion in Holywood from the outset.

“We need people to give their time and talents as volunteers. This is a chance to see something new and innovative take shape from the ground up and play a key part in promoting a more sustainable way to shop and live,” he added.

“Our shops also raise vital funds for our work with communities hardest hit by poverty, disaster and the climate crisis. We’re encouraging all enthusiastic people to apply — as little as four hours a week can make a big difference.”

But donations are needed to help fill the shelves at the new superstore.

Trevor continued: “With more rails to fill and more capacity for stock, we’re also reminding individuals and local businesses to donate items to us. We’re accepting clothes, handbags, shoes and accessories as well as homewares, furniture, books and more.

“This new venture is more than a charity shop; it’s a community hub and we’re relying on local support to get us up and running,” he added.

“We also want to take this opportunity to thank our loyal customers and the public for their ongoing generous support in Holywood.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour, said that the new superstore “will not only help to raise more vital funds for their lifesaving work around the world but will also create new jobs and volunteering opportunities for local people.”

“Support from local people will be vital to its success so I would encourage everyone to show their support by either shopping, donating or volunteering at Oxfam,” she added.

People interested in volunteering or donating, can email holywood@oxfam.org.

The new superstore will open its doors to the public on Wednesday May 15.