Teesside Hospice has officially opened the doors to its new Superstore on Portrack Lane, selling second-hand fashion, homeware and white goods to raise funds for its services, while also creating multiple jobs in the region.
The charity shop will stock a diverse range of pre-loved products from a wide range of brands in fashion, furniture homeware and white goods, with funds raised going directly towards providing better end of life care and support for people on Teesside.
And the store was opened with the help of a well-known BBC star and sustainable fashion influencer.
Jen Graham, known as Charity Shop Girl on Instagram and TikTok, runs a successful account documenting her charity shop finds and recently starred as an expert in the BBC show ‘Shift The Thrift’ with Joanna Page.
The star joined the Teesside Hospice team and guests, including Mayor of Middlesbrough Chris Cooke, for a VIP opening event on Friday 24th April, before the new store officially opened its doors on Saturday 25th April.
Speaking at the opening, Jen said: “I was honoured to be asked to cut the ribbon at the new Teesside Hospice Superstore.
“It’s an incredible shop – a rummager’s heaven! There is some beautiful stuff here and the prices are amazing. It’s the best men’s section I’ve ever seen.
“Teesside Hospice do such incredible work, providing care and support to local families during some of the hardest times in their lives, and to play even the smallest part in helping raise awareness for that is something I’m so proud of. You know that you’re supporting an incredible charity while you’re shopping here.
I’ve always said charity shops are so much more than shops. They’re community, sustainability, stories, and in cases like this, they help fund vital care and support for local families when they need it most.
“I may have come for the charity shop, but I left with a full heart, beautiful memories, and some lovely new friends.”
Mike Thornicroft, Teesside Hospice CEO, added: “Every day, our teams help patients and families make the most of every single moment, creating experiences and memories that last a lifetime. We meet people where they are, with humanity, humility and compassion
“But providing this level of care takes resources. It will cost £20,500 every single day this year to run Teesside Hospice and less than 30% of that comes from statutory funding, meaning the rest – almost £5.5 million – we must raise ourselves.
“That’s why our retail outlets matter and why this superstore is really important.
“Thank you for helping Teesside Hospice continue to be the heart of this community.”
To find out more about the Teesside Hospice Superstore, support with donations or support through volunteering, call 01642 811060 or visit www.teessidehospice.org/shop/locator/ portrack-lane-superstore/.