The manager of a new charity shop is excited for the future as East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) prepares for a triumphant return to Stowmarket.
The EACH premises, within a former HSBC building, in Market Place, are set to be officially opened on Thursday, 19th June.
It marks a long-awaited return to Stowmarket, as its previous shop closed in 2021, and will be the organisation’s 53rd outlet across the region, including its Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
Mandi Higgins has been appointed manager and is moving across after four years running EACH’s shop in Meredith Road, Ipswich.
“I’m ready for a new challenge and can’t wait to get started,” she said.
“I’ve never run a new shop before, having previously inherited them from others, and that’s an exciting prospect.
“I’m also really looking forward to working in Stowmarket. It’s a town I know well and have always liked, having previously covered the area when I was an assistant shop manager for St Elizabeth Hospice.
“Our new premises are in a prime location with lots of footfall, and I hope we’re going to be very busy. There’s undoubtedly huge potential.”
Mandi spent more than two decades working for frozen food retailers Bejam and Iceland before joining the Royal Bank of Scotland.
From there, she moved into the charity sector and has spent the last nine years working in shops raising funds for St Elizabeth Hospice, St Helena Hospice, Havens Hospices, Barnardo’s, Cats Protection and, more recently, EACH.
“I love working for local charities, especially hospices,” said Mandi, 57.
“It’s an amazing cause to support, and it never ceases to amaze me how many people have been touched by the work of an organisation like EACH.
“Either directly or indirectly, there are so many connections and you don’t have to look far to find a family that have received care and support.
“That’s what I love about our charity – it helps people in the community and everyone’s heard of EACH. There’s a real warmth towards it and people are incredibly supportive. Hopefully everyone gets behind us here in Stowmarket.
“I’ve also been fortunate enough to attend manager’s meetings and be given a tour of The Treehouse (EACH’s hospice in Ipswich).
“It was emotional and I can’t deny a few of us had tears in our eyes.
“However, from a work perspective, it was a great experience and very motivating.
“It underlined the reason we do what we do and it was nice to see what we’re raising money for.”
Mandi, who has three grown-up children and two granddaughters, is being joined by Sales Supervisor and best friend Paula Lushington, who is following her from Meredith Road.
The pair, who both live in Great Blakenham, already have two volunteers on board and hope others are tempted to spare some time to help. They plan to get out in the community and put up posters in community and youth centres.
In addition, a volunteer open day is being held in the shop on Thursday (12th June).
Anyone interested is welcome to pop in for a chat, to find out more. They will also have the chance to meet existing EACH volunteer Wendy Mann, who is coming in to share her experiences of helping in Meredith Road.
Mandi and Paula are also on the lookout for donations and items can be dropped off from Tuesday (10th June).
After the 19th, the shop will be open from Monday to Saturday.
