New RSPCA shop in Maldon, Essex calls for donations and volunteers
All profits go to helping animals and making vet treatments affordable
Essex locals are invited to shop, donate and volunteer at a new RSPCA charity shop in Maldon.
The RSPCA Essex Mid and North Branch has opened the newest of its four charity shops in the High Street earlier this month. All the money raised from sales will be used to help animals who have suffered neglect and ill-treatment in the Essex area.
Derrick Yapp, retail manager at the RSPCA branch, said: “All that money goes to helping animals. We are paying for the rehabilitation; we are paying for the veterinary work.”
The profits also help people on benefits who struggle with vet bills to get treatment for their pets at affordable cost.
Derrick said the shop has been received well by residents and shoppers: “Feedback has been really good. It seems to be a lovely community in Maldon
While the money goes to animal care, the shop offers a range of items from men’s and women’s clothing, jewellery and accessories to books, toys, games, DVDs and homeware.
Derrick Yapp said: “I think people like quirky things. There aren’t many antique shops around these days. There is a lot of online selling, but I think people like a bit of a rummage.
“They like to find a nice vase, an ornament or something for their home that they might not find on the high street.”
Donations and volunteers from all backgrounds welcome
The shop is welcoming donations, especially clothing and homeware, at the shop on 76 High Street in CM9 5ET Maldon Essex.
The branch is keen to hear from anyone interested in volunteering at the shop in roles such as window dressing or operating the tills. Experience in retail is welcome, but not essential since all skills can be taught, said Derrick.
“What they can bring to the deal, we can also give them back an awful lot as well. It’s just having that pleasant attitude, to be part of a team, whether they can do a few hours a week or a few days.”
Volunteers can apply via the branch website or in person at the shop.
More shops might follow, Derrick said: “I wouldn’t say we are taking over the world, but I think we are steadily just trying to grow the income that we got and then to cautiously spend that on the areas where we need to.
“Ultimately it’s all about the animals. We want to help more animals and pet owners.”
Opening times are 9.30am - 4.30pm Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays & Saturdays and 10am - 4pm Sundays.
Interested supporters can also meet the RSPCA team at the Summerfest in Billericay on 8 August.