Charity’s new store will give jobs to needy
ACHARITY tackling homelessness is set to launch its first department store, providing 60 vulnerable people with a place to live and work.
Emmaus, which was established in 1949, has been offered a 50,000 sq ft space rent free by the Co-op in a move designed to give a new lease of life to an unused part of the building, while enabling the charity to further its work to overcome homelessness and social exclusion.
The new department store will open its doors on Monday, January 7, at the Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre and is expected to equip around 60 vulnerable people in the first year with the skills, training and qualifications needed to integrate back into society.
The store will be spread across three levels, selling a wide range of new and pre-owned items, including furniture, home ware, electrical appliances, clothing and vintage goods.
Stuart Hookins, the Coop’s director of portfolio and development, said: “Connecting communities and bringing people together is at the heart of the Co-op, we are committed to supporting the creation of stronger communities.
“This move not only breathes new life into an unused space, but supports the charity’s work to transform the lives of vulnerable people in our communities.”
Stephen Buchanan, director of Emmaus Rochdale, added: “This is very exciting for all involved, it is our largest development to date and something we could not have dreamed of achieving without the support of the Co-op.
“This development will provide a huge boost for our work, providing meaningful employment and training opportunities for people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion, while generating an income to maintain our wider support.
“It is apt that Rochdale is the birthplace of cooperation, we share so many values with the Co-op and by working together we have created an incredible opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people in our communities.”
To find out more, get involved or donate an item call into the store at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre, 50A Market Way, Rochdale, or visit www. emmaus.org.uk/rochdale.