Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, Forres is open and looking for volunteers and donations
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THE community is being urged to shop local as businesses reopen after lockdown.
And Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s store at 77 High Street is urgently appealing for volunteers to help keep the store running.
Manager Stella Murray confirmed the charity’s chain of 45 shops lost more than £400,000 of income during closure throughout the most recent lockdown.
She said: “Lockdown was hard for everyone and I really missed the shop and our volunteers, so it’s been lovely to see them.
“It’s been wonderful to see the shop reopen and for life to return to the High Street.
“It has been so nice to welcome back customers and to feel like we are part of the community again.”
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland in-store opportunities include helping on the shop floor, with stock donations, and keeping the shop safe by managing socially distanced queues and informing customers of safety and hygiene measures. The charity’s stores raise funds to help people with chest, heart and stroke conditions across Scotland live their lives to the full.
Regional retail manager, Carole Edmonds, hopes more volunteers will help the charity to help them.
She said: “We’re urging people to spare a few hours a week. By joining our friendly team, you’ll be helping to save your local store.
“The safety of our staff, volunteers and customers is a priority.
“All stock is quarantined for 72 hours, cough screens and hand sanitising stations are installed and there is a limit to the number of people allowed in the shop at any time.”
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland is now accepting stock donations.
“We’re thankful for the support,” said Carole. “Can anyone who has stock to donate please ring 01309 675973 to arrange a drop-off time.”
For more information, or to volunteer, go online to volunteering@chss.org.uk
