Dinnington: Charity inspired by TV show to open permanent boutique

A Dinnington-based charity has opened a permanent boutique after being inspired by a television programme.
Deputy mayor Coun Barry Dodson, deputy mayoress Julie Dodson, Lord Scarbrough, Hilary Massarella, Miss Galaxy England Jamie Lee Faulkner, Debbie Houghton and Lady ScarbroughDeputy mayor Coun Barry Dodson, deputy mayoress Julie Dodson, Lord Scarbrough, Hilary Massarella, Miss Galaxy England Jamie Lee Faulkner, Debbie Houghton and Lady Scarbrough
Deputy mayor Coun Barry Dodson, deputy mayoress Julie Dodson, Lord Scarbrough, Hilary Massarella, Miss Galaxy England Jamie Lee Faulkner, Debbie Houghton and Lady Scarbrough

Safe@Last, which helps children and young people at risk of running away, launched its first permanent Charity Chicks Boutique in Rotherham in October.

The boutqiue will stock pre-owned quality, high street and designer items, and is open from 9.15am to 5pm Monday to Saturday.

The charity’s patron, the Countess of Scarbrough, officially opened the boutique unveiling a plaque to commemorate the occasion.

Lady Scarbrough was also joined by the deputy mayor, Coun Barry Dodson and the deputy mayoress, Julie Dodson and Jamie Lee Faulkner, who is the current Miss Galaxy England.

Charity Chicks has been running pop-up shops since 2009, selling quality second-hand clothes and accessories for low prices in a boutique-style setting.

The idea was inspired by Mary Portas’ Queen of Charity Shops, a three-part series broadcast on the BBC. In the programme, Mary successfully took on charity shop brands in order to transform them into must-stop-shops on the high street.

In the last few years, Charity Chicks has gone from strength to strength with a number of pop-up boutiques across Sheffield and Rotherham, including a shop in Meadowhall this summer as part of their ParkLife event.

Hilary Massarella, founder trustee of Safe@Last, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to open our first Charity Chicks Boutique.”

“Having a permanent shop means people can buy quality pre loved clothes and accessories all year round, and help Safe@Last continue its valuable work.”

“The funds the shop raises specifically support our education and prevention work helping us to educate and inform children and young people about the risks and dangers of running away.”

She added: “This is no ordinary charity shop. We’re concentrating on good quality items. We’re stocking well loved pieces that people have donated to be loved again.”

“Whether you’re in your 20s or 60s, size eight or size 20, looking for an evening gown or a casual top; there is something for everyone at the Charity Chicks Boutique.”

Charity Chicks needs donations of clothing, shoes and accessories, which you can take to the shop on Herringthorpe Valley Road, Safe@Last’s office in Dinnington, or call 01709 252424 to arrange a collection. Alternatively, you can e-mail [email protected]

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