Falklands : A FALKLANDS STORY OF SUCCESS – 10 YEARS ON
Submitted by Falkland Islands News Network (Juanita Brock) 28.03.2011 (Article Archived on 13.04.2011)
It was in November 2000, that the idea of a Charity Shop in the Falklands was muted. The three churches, Christ Church Cathedral, the Tabernacle and St. Mary’s, began making plans for a joint project.
A FALKLANDS STORY OF SUCCESS – 10 YEARS ON
It was in November 2000, that the idea of a Charity Shop in the Falklands was muted. The three churches, Christ Church Cathedral, the Tabernacle and St. Mary’s, began making plans for a joint project. A committee of Trustees was formed, made up of the incumbents of the three churches, a shop manager, secretary and treasurer.
The object of the Charity Shop would be to raise funds to help support locally registered charities. Six local charities were chosen. They were the Lighthouse Seamen’s Mission, Cancer Support & Awareness Group, Stephen Jaffray Memorial Fund, Falkland Islands Community Trust, KEMH General Fund and the Red Cross (local branch) These remain the same today, with the exception of the Red Cross for the time being. The shop would be called “Bargains Galore”, a name chosen by Viv.(Treasurer).
A Portacabin on Hackett’s Hill became the Falkland Islands first Charity Shop, and so a “joint churches’ venture” was borne. It was opened at 10 am. by His Excellency, the Governor at that time, Mr. Donald Lamont. on Saturday 7th April, 2001
Managed and run entirely by unpaid volunteers, the shop has been an entire success. The takings on that first day alone were an amazing £381. 35. And so it went from strength to strength, with donations of clothing, household items, and some furniture being continually channelled through the shop, by the ever-generous general public.
Finally it became quite obvious that larger premises were needed. Business continued in the portacabin until in June 2003, thanks to Mr. Dick Sawle of “Seaview” Ltd made available to us the premises at 37 Fitzroy Road, a “once upon a time” retail Paint Shop. In its present state at that time it was evident that work needed to be done to extend the building to approx. twice its size, decorate and fit shelving etc Planning permission was sought, granted, and work went ahead.
The Portacabin premises closed on 9th June, and on the 18th June 2003 “Bargains Galore” was re-opened at its present day premises, at 2pm. by Mr. Russ Jarvis.
Up until 25th March this year (2011) the total Sales and Donations have amounted to an incredible £185,170. 09. Of this, £9,403. 22. Were spent on the alterations and extension of 37 Fitzroy Road. From the remainder £155,650.00 has been donated to the chosen charities, plus £1,000. each to the Tsunami Appeal Fund in January 2005, and the Chilean Earthquake Appeal in March 2010.
In addition to the monetary donation to the Lighthouse Seamen’s Mission, donations of clothing, men’s, women’s and children’s are frequently given.
These are eagerly “snapped up” by the fishermen from the jiggers etc. You can often see them leaving the Mission with plastic bags crammed full of clothing.
We also donate clothing to the Red Cross, who have in turn, been sending this to Chile, for the benefit of the poor and needy in that country.
As well as the above, we have a couple of outlets in the Camp. These are also run entirely by volunteers.
Two accounts are held at the Standard Chartered Bank. No. 2 a/c is a sum set aside in 2005 for any future extensive building expenses. This sum was the result of a very generous donation from a Canadian couple – Canadian $10,000 – that realised £4,287. 25. and with the accumulated interest, now stands at £6,608. 89. The other account is the “working” account, which also attracts interest, small though it may be.
A “Victim of its own Success” has loomed for quite a while now. We really have exhausted the present premises and would dearly love somewhere much larger.
Another story of success is the Furniture Shop. The need for somewhere to sell furniture and other household items became apparent. Beauchene Trading kindly rented to us, at a nominal rent of £50 per month, on a temporary basis, the old I.T.T. building in the Beauchene Complex. Since it’s opening on 18th August 2009, a total of over £3,000 has been raised from furniture donations. Unfortunately, we must now vacate the premises at the end of April, and seek some place elsewhere.
We are hoping for some place soon. Can anyone help?
The proof that God works in wondrous ways is certainly shown in all the foregoing, and as long as the belief is there, it will continue to be so.
And so on the 7th April, we can say “ what an amazing ten years that was”.
What a splendid idea it was, ten years ago!
Vivienne Perkins
Trustee/Treasurer, “Bargains Galore” 25th March 2011.
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