Charity reopens 400 shops that fund lifesaving work

JOAN’S charity The British Heart Foundation will reopen nearly 400 of its shops this week as it seeks to recover from the impact of Covid-19 on its income.

The charity announced a phased reopening so it could create a safe working environment for staff and 17,000 volunteers, many of whom are living with heart and circulatory diseases.

A total of 395 shops will open this week, with a further 299 planned the following week.

Mike Taylor, BHF commercial director, said: “Every item we sell helps fund our vital research.

“We have been truly humbled by the response from our colleagues and customers since opening a handful of shops at the beginning of the month.”

However, BHF anticipates it may have to cut research spending by half this year.