Generous donors boost for strays

BARGAIN-HUNTERS are boosting a leading animal charity's coffers thanks to a thrift shop extension and the generosity of supporters.

After almost three decades in the kingdom, the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals' thrift shop has witnessed record-breaking sales in recent weeks and is appealing for more donations of unwanted but good quality goods to keep up with the demand.

Jo Bradley, BSPCA PR co-ordinator said: "There is a massive diversity of individuals who visit the shop and we rely on the generosity of our donors. Every fil raised here goes to keeping the sanctuary in Saar running."

The shop boasts a team of 12 volunteers who display and sell a variety of items from clothes to sporting accessories, toys, pottery pieces, books and more.

Thanks to a new extension - an old garage makeover - the thrift shop has been able to expand and transform its sales operation into five departments. There are now clear sections for women's wear, children's wear, teenage wear, men's wear, and accessories, as well as for CDs, games and books.

Corporate sponsorship from engineering and design consultants Atkins, building and civil engineering contractors Charilaos Apostolides (CHAPO) and general contractors Al Husam International has enabled the thrift shop to expand.

Ian Cordingley, site operations manager at Atkins, said: "It is a joint effort to help collect funds to protect the animals at the sanctuary. When the ladies at the BSPCA discussed about renovating the garage, I approached a couple of contractors and they all agreed to help. It's all for a good cause."

The thrift shop has also introduced its very own 'book store' which it plans to develop and expand. Volunteer Sarah Khousi, from Adliya, who manages it, said: "We decided on a designated book store around three months back due to the demand for good reading material.

"It's almost like a lending library now because many readers buy a book and then bring it back so that we can sell it on again!"

The shop located just off Budaiya Highway is the main source of income for the charity champions. Many of the designer clothes donated are of such high quality that the charity is now considering staging a fashion show highlighting some of the outfits available.

Joan Fiddler, thrift shop manager, said: "With the new extension we have received a 25 per cent increase in sales.

"The shop is packed during the weekend, especially on Fridays. Luckily, we now have the space to make it a comfortable shopping experience for all our customers and supporters."

The shop is open for donations every day of the week while shopping times are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9am to noon and Sundays from 3pm to 5pm.