Prestigious ‘charity MBE’ for local charity
In November, members of the SHARE/ Daliburgh Thrift Shop were thrilled to learn that they were recipients of one of the first prestigious King’s Awards for Voluntary Service (KAVS).
Equivalent to an MBE, KAVS is the highest Award given to local voluntary groups in the UK and champions the outstanding work of groups of volunteers working in their local community. SHARE was one of just 262 organisations across the UK to be honoured in this way.
Avril Campbell, Chairperson of SHARE said:
“We are delighted that the hard work and commitment of our loyal team of volunteers over many years has been recognised with this award. The thrift shop has carved out a unique and special place in the heart of the community and is truly something created and enjoyed by one and all.
“Indeed the entire community deserves this recognition. SHARE acknowledges that their success depends not only on the hard work of volunteers but also on the continuing support of their loyal customers and the generosity of people in the community who donate so many wonderful high quality goods for sale.”
The first seeds of the thrift shop were sown nearly a quarter of a century ago by the then Church of Scotland minister, Rev James Lawson, who had the vision to realise that the Church Hall could be used for the benefit of the whole community. After much discussion and canvassing of the views of members of the community, it was decided to develop the first thrift shop and tea room. By June 2005, the thrift shop was constituted as SHARE (Sharing, Helping, and Reaching Everyone) and charitable status was granted.
Funding for the renovation of the Hall was secured and on 15th March 2007, the thrift shop reopened and of course it seemed only right that Rev James Lawson returned to Daliburgh to dedicate the building. Since then, SHARE has gone from strength to strength.
SHARE currently has a team of 35 volunteers, a number of whom have been with the organisation since it started. The SHARE volunteers make for a happy team, says Avril:
“The hard work and friendliness of the whole team mean that all customers, both local and those visiting the islands, can be assured of a warm welcome. Indeed there are so many lovely comments to that effect.”
“Every Thursday and Saturday many people go along to the thrift shop from 11 am to 1 pm to enjoy a friendly chat over tea, coffee and home baking and to find bargains. We pride ourselves on offering great value for money especially in these tough times of hardship. Once running costs of the hall are deducted, all proceeds from sales and teas are donated to local charities and good causes.”
Since 2008, SHARE has donated an impressive £86,478 to over 75 organisations.
