Ty hafan set to close six shops as income falls after covid-19
SIX Ty Hafan shops are set to close their doors following the charity’s financial struggle as a result of Covid-19.
Stores facing closure as a direct result of coronavirus include branches in Merthyr Tydfil, Bridgend, Maesteg, Cardiff (Albany Road) and Tenby.
The charity also spoke of its devastation at having to make the decision to shut its branch at Pontypridd, which was the first shop of its kind to open back in the 90s.
The news follows the launch of an urgent appeal after Ty Hafan announced that it’s facing a £2 million income loss this year – almost 50% of what it costs to run the hospice each year.
This week Ty Hafan has sent a heartfelt thank you to everyone in Pontypridd who has supported, donated and volunteered at the branch over the last 26 years.
Since 2000 the shop alone has contributed over £844k towards expert care for life-limited children in Wales, but the children’s charity has had to make the difficult decision to close the shop due to the trading challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
Ty Hafan’s director of retail and fundraising, Julian Hall, said: “We’ve had some of the most wonderful staff and volunteers in the Pontypridd shop and they have done a fantastic job.
“I want to say a huge thank you to each and every one of them.
“We’ve faced significant fundraising challenges over the last few months and, as a result, are having to make difficult decisions.
“Ty Hafan relies heavily on donations to keep its doors open, so now, more than ever, we need to spend the publicly fundraised money wisely and prioritise delivering expert paediatric palliative care to those who need us.”
The Pontypridd shop was first ever shop opened by Ty Hafan in 1994 and played a significant role in raising the funds required to open the doors to
Wales’ first ever children’s hospice in Sully, Vale of Glamorgan, 21 years ago.
The Taff Street shop shut its doors in March due to government lockdown measures, but as the country starts to lift lockdown, the shop will not be reopening.
The charity is currently supporting 23 children and their families in Rhondda Cynon Taf and hopes that, despite the shop closing, the community will still get behind the local Ty Hafan families and continue to host local fundraisers in the area or continue to support their nearby Ty Hafan shops in Caerphilly, Talbot Green, Aberdare and Cwmbran.
Mr Hall added: “We are so proud of what we’ve achieved at our Pontypridd store, and the money raised is testament to the wonderful community effort.
“It’s not a final farewell from us and we would love to return if circumstances allow in the future.
“In the meantime, we’ll be working on ways in which we can continue to be part of the community for years to come.”