Significant boost to TYKES from its Golspie charity shop
The Young Karers East Sutherland (TYKES) has thanked its customers and volunteers after its charity shop made nearly £30,000 in 13 months.
Located on the village’s Main Street next to the YMCA building, the TYKES shop made a total of £29,514 between April last year and March this year.
TYKES, a registered charity that supports more than 100 young carers and their families across Sutherland, has its headquarters at Unit 9, Golspie Industrial Estate.
The income from the charity shop goes towards providing respite breaks and activities ranging from picnics to weekend-away trips.
During the Easter holidays activities and events organised for the young carers included trips to the cinema and Rollerbowl. Timespan Museum and Art Centre in Helmsdale, Lochview Rural Training near Lairg and the Durness Zipline.
The young carers also took part in a stained glass workshop, a pool party and an Easter egg hunt. There were also one-to-one sessions and drop-in sessions, which usually involved a walk, bike ride, trip to the park, swimming, dinner and other activities.
The charity shop is managed by Alison Paterson, who is supported by a team of dedicated volunteers. Anyone interested in volunteering is asked to drop into the shop and speak to her.
Alison said: “It is a privilege to work in and with the local community and be involved in such a fantastic charity.
“The whole volunteer team are amazing, giving of their time and talents to raise such a large amount. The community are incredibly supportive with their donations, and we love seeing our regulars, as well as new faces, popping in.”
TYKES project leader Denise Campbell thanked customers and donors for their support, as well as the team of dedicated and hard-working volunteers who run the shop.
She said: “Sales from the charity shop are more than generous. They are a tangible sign of the community coming together to support Sutherland Young Carers.
“When people donate or purchase items, they are contributing directly to the wellbeing of young carers and helping to fund vital respite activities and events.
“Respite activities allow young carers to be themselves, make friends and forget about their worries and pressures for a short time. So, a massive thank you to all our donors and customers and also the TYKES team of volunteers who make it all possible.”
