Three children’s charities are set to benefit from the return of a Carlisle shop where people pay with kindness instead of cash.
The Kinder Shop is making a reappearance in the city for Christmas to offer shoppers luxury items such as house furnishings or toys in exchange for donating their time to children’s charities.
The unique initiative is the idea of The Cumberland and in June this year, the shop popped up in Carlisle, Dumfries and Kendal and generated more than 1,000 volunteer hours for good causes in the area.
People who pledge their time will have the chance to support a variety of local children’s charities in different ways.
Carlisle Youth Zone is offering volunteering opportunities suited to individual skills, passions and availability. From one off opportunities supporting the day to day running of the youth zone, to opportunities supporting young people within club sessions.
Lyn Marriott, of Carlisle Youth Zone said: “We’re really looking forward to welcoming some new volunteers who come to us through The Kinder Shop.
“We appreciate people giving their time to make a difference to young people in Carlisle as it adds to our programme and the experiences we can offer young people. The Kinder Shop is exactly the kind of initiative that helps spread the word about volunteering.”
Carlisle Scouts are also set to benefit, giving people a chance to help out with one-off maintenance projects at their Ratlingate campsite, or by taking on a volunteer challenge with local groups.
Eddie Ward, County Commissioner for Cumbria Scouts, said: “Some people may never have thought of volunteering before, but The Kinder Shop helps to break down that barrier. Volunteering is for everyone and this way, you give your time and you get something back – what could be better?”
Jigsaw Children’s Hospice will also be offering volunteering opportunities to take part in painting days in the new year.
Kelly Ashbridge, partnerships officer at The Cumberland, said: “Almost as soon as we closed the doors on The Kinder Shop in June, people were asking us when it was coming back. So, we’re delighted to be able to bring people together again and support our fantastic children’s charities. They say it’s better to give than to receive, but thanks to The Kinder Shop, you can do both this Christmas.”
The Kinder Shop will be open on Paternoster Row, Carlisle, from 10am to 4pm on Wednesday November 30.
