Wigan-based Action Station North West CIC have received £20,000 to establish and launch a third charity shop enabling them to grow their impact on local people and organisations, as part of Proper Good Investment.
Action Station North West CIC support local people by providing a safe community space in their charity shops, providing good quality and affordable second-hand items, supporting other charity organisations through small financial donations, providing volunteer opportunities, and supporting their local high streets and the local economy.
They operate a charity retail model through high street stores in Tyldesley & Ince, as well as online sales, and support a team of 30 volunteers across the two shops who offer over 100 hours of time each week. They also partner with youth organisations to support young people to gain work experience by volunteering in their shops and helping to support the local community.
One of their volunteers said,
“The shop has supported my mental health during a rather difficult time. Volunteering has given me the opportunity to mingle with other people, whilst also supporting a good cause.
Action Station provides somewhere nice for people to browse and buy something at a cheaper price. Donations to the shop means products do not go to landfill.”
The investment will be used to cover the costs associated with opening the third charity shop, such as fees, shop fittings and 12 months of rent. It will enable them to become more sustainable as an organisation and increase their impact on local people and charitable organisations.
Anna Hart, Director at Action Station North West CIC, said
“We are delighted to have received investment so that we can open a third shop and improve our existing shops. We can now provide safe, welcoming spaces for three communities including shoppers, volunteers and the community projects we support".
Proper Good Investment is an investment fund for organisations and businesses that create social impact by trading in Bolton, Stockport, Oldham and Wigan, who either are in the early stages of growth or are looking to lease, purchase, renovate or refurbish a building.
Find out more and enquire now about GM Social Investment.
