Luton boxer opens first of new look hospice shops

A Luton boxer has today opened the first of three new look shops in support of his charity which cares for seriously ill adults and children in Luton and South Beds.

The Keech Hospice Care charity shop in Park Street, in the centre of Luton, now holds more quality bargains after its floor space has been increased.

Jordan Reynolds, 20, officially cut the ribbon at Park Street and told the crowd he’s no stranger to the shop.

“The store looks fantastic and I will be shopping here for sure. Keech Hospice Care is a great thing! I encourage everyone not only to shop at the charity’s stores, but also to donate your quality items to Keech to help it raise as much money as possible so it can continue to give the excellent care it does to seriously ill adults and children. The volunteers who run the Park Street store are brilliant – they’re like family to me. I’m always popping in here before training. Keech’s volunteers are just so positive and a lot of them have needed the help of the hospice in some way or another. They’re all here because they know just how much as a community we need Keech. It’s my local hospice and I support it – it’s a no brainer.”

As a charity, Keech Hospice Care relies on 70% of its funding to come from the community for its survival. Every year the hospice must raise £5.2 million so it can continue to provide the excellent care it does.

Linda Croke, Manager of Keech Hospice Care’s Park Street shop, said Keech prides itself on stocking quality items in its 33 shops across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Milton Keynes.

“We really want to dispel the myth that charity shops are fusty old places full of items that no one wants. I encourage anyone who has never been into our stores before to visit and prepare to be pleasantly surprised at what we have to offer, not to mention the very reasonable prices!

“By buying and donating your items, you’re helping Keech to be able to care and support adults and children, and of course their families too, at a time in their lives they need it most.”

Keech Hospice Care’s Park Street shop is one of three to receive a new look.

Jez Cox, Area Retail Manager for Bedfordshire at Keech Hospice Care, said the charity’s shops are perfect for picking up a bargain Christmas present or new outfit for the party season.

“We’re delighted with the new look Park Street shop. Items are already flying out the store. We have more work planned as our Sundon Park and Katherine Drive shops are also getting a facelift. We want all of our customers to have the best shopping experience possible and thank everyone for supporting their local hospice.”

All stock at Keech Hospice Care’s Sundon Park store is half-price until it closes at 12pm on Saturday 29 November. The new look store will reopen on Monday 7 November. The charity’s Katherine Drive store in Dunstable will have a half-price sale starting on Monday 7 November to Saturday 12 November, before it reopens on Monday 21 November 2016.

To volunteer for Keech Hospice Care email volunteering@keech.org.uk or call 01582 497829.

For further information contact Lorna Milton, Senior PR Officer at Keech Hospice Care on 01582 497874/ 07824606856 or at lmilton@keech.org.uk.