The idea
We want to develop the Help Our Town shop: we have been at our current address for seven years. We now want to move into a larger, centralised position in the town so that we can extend our outreach and grow our clientele base organically. We currently take referrals from the local council and foodbank, also gifting wherever we have the contacts to do so (vets, supermarket libraries, knitting group etc.) By moving to a larger, centralised premises, we will be able to help even more Dovorians, take on more referrals and gift to even more local organisations. More storage will allow us to hold more stock, more customers (a central town position will naturally create a higher footfall,) will also allow us to keep our prices down for our low-income clientele - more donations will mean that we will be able to give these clients more choice. We wish to grow and we wish to help even more of our town.
What we'll deliver
- An inclusive and independent charity shop
- Quality and affordable items that will help people with the cost of living crisis
- More items repurposed and gifted back into the community
Why it's a great idea
Our project will bring a dynamic, independent, and inclusive shop into the town centre. We will provide volunteer positions that will never be discriminatory; we will create a diverse community orientated space which will always have the customer in mind: we will keep our prices low and our quality standards high: we will be providing these goods to the areas and populations of Dover that are most in need of support in the current economic climate. We believe in optimal repurposing and regifting, which would limit waste and landfill on donated items. We will be transparent as a CIC: we will never have a CEO who is benefitting financially from our status, and we will work tirelessly for our aim to Help Our Town.
Steps to get it done
- Obtaining the new premises at an agreed rent
- Preparing the premises before opening
- Purchasing the display equipment for goods etc.
- Opening the shop for business
