£4.9m generated in social value by Highland Hospice charity shop, says Charity Retail Association
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For bargain hunters searching out quality pre-owned items, Highland Hospice’s Beauly Boutique is well known on the region's charity shop map.
But as well as raising funds to help with the charity's vital work, it has also been revealed that the shop – housed in the Old Post Office – is also having a much wider economic impact.
It has contributed an impressive £4.9m of social value between April 2022 and April 2023, according to new research.
The report sheds light on the benefits that customers, staff, volunteers and donors gain from charity shops across the UK – from giving back to others or the planet, and feeling part of the community.
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The report, The Value of Giving back – the Social Return of Charity Shops, was commissioned by the Charity Retail Association (CRA) to understand the social value of charity outlets.
It found £75.3 billion was generated in social value across the UK.
The report concluded that, in addition to raising funds for charities, charity shops generate an additional £7.35 in social value for every £1 spent on their operations, showing the invaluable role charity shops play in supporting and enriching the communities that they serve.
Highland Hospice, which provides care and support for those facing life-shortening illness, death and bereavement is delighted to be playing its part.
The charity's commerce manager, Susan Cooper, is also a CRA Board member.
"We are so delighted by the findings of this report which demonstrates the importance and value that charity shops have, showing that the benefits go beyond raising money for Highland Hospice, extending into the fabric of the communities that they serve," she said.
"The report is an interesting piece of work which identifies what we in the charity sector probably always thought we knew - but couldn't quantify.
"Now that we have this evidence we need to work on how we best make use of it."
Volunteers at the Beauly Boutique – one of 15 Highland Hospice shops across the region – reaffirmed the report’s findings.
"The friendliness and support of staff in the Beauly shop restored some lost confidence," said one volunteer.
Another added: "Interacting with the public felt like I was providing a service to the Highland Community."
Maria Cuthbert, Highland Hospice’s voluntary services manager, said: "This report provides a valuable insight into the extrinsic value generated by each of our volunteers.
"It demonstrates the range of benefits that every volunteer gains by volunteering with Highland Hospice."
Anyone wanting to volunteer with the charity should contact Maria Cuthbert on volunteer@highlandhospice.org.uk.
