By Paul Abraham
Saturday saw the opening of an exciting and much-needed new charity shop in Armley when Armley Action Team unveiled Bundles on Gelder Road, off Town Street.
The large crowd who attended the event saw nine-year-old Cherry cut the ribbon to officially open the shop with proud mum Lyndsey looking on from a packed pavement.
To make this a truly special event, local favourites The Burner Band played a 90-minute set which also saw well-respected musician David Broad join in the foot-tapping session which kept shoppers and charity supporters entertained.
The new charity shop is focussed on toys, games, books, clothes etc for 0 to 18 years. They also plan to open a baby bank, which will support new families with essential items, and a community pantry/foodbank.
The first of many customers on Saturday were all delighted with the new shop and its wonderful range of stock and all expressed what a valuable addition the shop will be to the many local families struggling with the cost of living and family requirements, especially when children have had a sudden “growth spurt” and recently bought clothes are suddenly too short, small or tight-fitting.
Louise Megson, chair of Armley Action Team, said: “Bundles can help lots of local children and young people to get a good start in life, and reduce waste going to landfill.
“We hope that residents across the city will be inspired to donate equipment and clothes they no longer need, to help combat the rising costs of living that are impacting our young people. Come and see Bundles as soon as you can, and if you live in Armley come and get involved – we need you!”
If you have any items to donate then please let them know. They will also collect from your home if there is a large quantity of items.
The team are looking for volunteers as well, so if you’re 18+ and able to volunteer a few hours Mon-Fri to help run Bundles or do you know someone aged 14-18 who’d like to volunteer on Saturdays to get retail experience, with full training, travel expenses and meals provided. E-mail armleyactionteam@gmail.com.
Bundles will open on Wednesdays and Saturdays 10-4pm, with the hope of opening more days each week by March.
