Raising much-needed income to care for local patients
Rowcroft Hospice is leaping full steam ahead into the new year with the launch of a brand new lifestyle shop in Torquay Road, Preston. To be housed in the same large premises as Rowcroft’s successful Christmas pop-up shop, the new lifestyle store will sell predominantly preloved items such as clothing, books, homeware and furniture, and is to open on 28 January with an in-store café lounge to follow in May. All funds raised from the retail outlet will provide vital income for the hospice, funding specialist end-of-life care and support to patients and their loved ones across South Devon.
The perfect shopping destination
“We’re delighted to be starting the new year on a high with the launch of our new lifestyle shop in Torquay Road,” said Caroline Wannell, Rowcroft Hospice’s Head of Retail. “Given the current cost of living crisis, the shop is the perfect destination if you’re planning to refresh your wardrobe for the new year, or if you want a new look for your home décor on a budget. The store offers affordable items to suit all tastes, with great value stock that includes an array of modern ladies and men’s fashion, beautiful accessories such as jewellery, bags, belts, hats and scarves, plus a superb range of books, DVDs, toys, children’s clothing, furniture, soft furnishings and homeware. And with a convenient pay and display carpark just opposite, what’s not to love?!”
Caring for your local community
“All profits from your purchase go to care for patients and families across South Devon, so shopping with us is a great way to put something back into your local community,” said Caroline. “Customer support is particularly important at this crucial time when the need for Rowcroft’s care and the pressures on our services have never been greater. The hospice is experiencing an escalating number of requests for care, with patients presenting increasingly complex needs that require an even more advanced level of support.”
Eco-friendly shopping
The Preston store will complement Rowcroft’s 15 high street and community shops across South Devon, appealing to those who prefer a more environmentally friendly shopping experience because most of the items are second-hand and recycled from the generous donations of the local community. Rowcroft also sells a range of goods in its online shops on eBay and Etsy.
Make a difference by donating items
“If you’re looking to find a new home for your unwanted Christmas gifts, or if you’re having a new year clear-out, then please think of Rowcroft and help us provide vital end-of-life care for local patients,” said Caroline. “Our shops welcome good quality donations of all kinds, including clothes, furniture, books, bric-a-brac, toys, CDs and DVDs, white goods and electricals.
“You can make such a difference by donating your unwanted items to us. For example, your donated jumper could pay for an hour of care to a patient in our Inpatient Unit; and your donated winter coat could pay for a bereavement support session for a husband who is grieving the death of his wife.”
Supporting patients across South Devon
Rowcroft Hospice supports more than 2000 patients with life-limiting illnesses across South Devon each year, with the majority of people cared for in their own homes from Dartmouth to Dawlish and up onto Dartmoor. The hospice is currently facing considerable challenges due to a number of factors including staff shortages, an escalating demand for its care, and a fall in donations and higher running costs due to the rising cost of living.