Cost of living crisis forces closure of Inverness charity shop four months after opening
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Rising costs have forced the closure of an Inverness charity shop just four months after it opened in a bid to ensure no children would go hungry.
The Children's Lighthouse opened its shop in Harbour Road in July to sell used goods to fund its food operation.
The community interest company was also on a mission to help parents and carers afford school uniforms for their youngsters and appealed for any second hand uniforms.
Charity aims to lighten the load
But in a post on social media, it has revealed it is closing its doors.
"After these short but unforgettable couple of months, we have had to make the difficult decision to close our doors for good," it stated.
"We looked at the situation every possible way, but in the end, we just can’t figure out how to make ends meet in light of a drastic increase in rent and bills as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.
"It's an excruciating decision for us because we love what we have managed to achieve, our loyal customers and supporters, and especially the wonderful team of people who made this community hub what it is.
"To all of you who breathed life into this place by donating, we cannot thank you enough."
It also paid tribute to its "small but incredible" team.
"You put everything you had into trying to make people happier than when they arrived and their lives that little bit easier; and I couldn’t have been more prouder of you all," the post stated.
A closure sale will take place over the next couple of weeks.
It adds: "We hope you'll consider supporting your other local charities, community hubs and all our neighborhood small businesses during this crazy time."
