Holly Bunnell found out about the power of kindness – thanks to a shop that would not accept cards or cash – just people being nice. Here’s her take on The Kinder Shop
Yesterday I visited a shop in Carlisle where all the items were free. This was called The Kinder Shop.
The Kinder Shop was created by The Cumberland’s as part of its new brand, Purpose. Kelly Ashbridge, of The Cumberland, said: “ The brand is all about creating a banking service that’s kinder to people and the planet.”
Kelly said the shop was open for one day only – and a branch will open in Kendal tomorrow, also for one day only.
She added: “The idea is that people pay in kindness, not cash.” And what is the kindness? Instead of spending money, customers spend their time volunteering for charities of their choice.
There were 14 charities to choose from, including British Heart Foundation and Age UK.
Everyone working at the shop was lovely and inviting. One of the staff, Mandy Norwood, collected all the products for the shop.
There was a wonderful selection of lifestyle items to choose from and within the first two hours of the shop being open, over 60 hours of volunteer work had been pledged!
While at the shop I had the chance to speak to lots of customers and get their opinion.
The very first customer of the day was Sara Talebaoui, of Wigton. Sara found the shop by chance, but was intrigued by it as someone with previous volunteer experience.
She first volunteered at Wigton news station at 17 and then for Cumbria Gateway. She gained a paid job with them in the women’s centre and has been a social worker for 10 years.
Sara said: “Volunteer work is so rewarding, it’s good karma, if you do good, good comes back to you.” She ended up pledging 24 hours of her time to three charities to buy garden items, including a bistro set that match her fences.
She said: “It was meant to be.”
John Hunt, Cumberland’s Chief Risk Officer, pledged eight hours of his time to West Cumbria Rivers Trust.
He said that he hadn’t done much volunteer work before but the shop inspired him to volunteer.
It was really interesting to meet people who had such varied experience with volunteer work.
Some, like John, were new to volunteer work and were inspired. Others already had experience but were motivated to do more. Customers Martha Winn, of Whitehaven, and Emma Rogerson, of Carlisle, said they had a lot of volunteering experience already. Martha had mentored and painted at Carlisle Youth Zone and Emma works for the charity. Emma said: “There is a need for volunteering opportunities, I think it’s a fantastic initiative and hope it is successful and happens again.”
