The staff and volunteers at Pilgrims Hospices shop, on the High Street Ramsgate, have been awarded with a local Civic Pride Award from Thanet District Council.

Not only do they bring an important shopping solution to the local community whilst driving funds for local hospice care, they ensure the store boundaries are as well maintained as their store and its contents.

Alex Hancock, Pilgrims Retail Manager, said: “We are very proud to have been awarded the Civic Pride Award, we like our customers to feel that the Pilgrims store is truly part of the community shopping experience and that means everything from glancing into our windows as they pass by to browsing for a bargain inside.

Alex added: “The appearance of our shop is really important to my team, we make regular checks around our perimeters to keep the building weed and litter free, we wouldn’t want it any other way.”

The Ramsgate discount shop carries an extensive range of pre-loved ladies, gents and children’s clothing, along with furniture, electrical and household goods, books, games, DVDs and so much more. It’s difficult to leave the shop without a purchase!

Alex has been the shop manager for the past two and a half years, and faced the challenges of lock-down due to the Covid pandemic followed by the staged re-opening for shoppers.

We are very proud to have been awarded the Civic Pride Award, we like our customers to feel that the Pilgrims store is truly part of the community shopping experience

Alex, Retail Manager

“It was a tough time whilst our Pilgrims stores were closed, however, we took advantage of the time and refurbished a number of our shops and updated many others. It’s been wonderful to see people shopping again; about 20% of our customers are regulars, they know our names and we get to know what purchases they like to make.”

Holly Brankin, shop supervisor told us: “The shop is busy currently with winter stock, we have a fantastic range of jackets and coats all at bargain prices. It’s great to see the college students coming in to purchase their winter woollies, hats, scarfs and accessories. As people become more conscious of climate change and environmental issues, recycling and upcycling clothing is more important than ever. The students are embracing change and getting really creative in our shop with their styling. We are here to help them do just that!

“Our Christmas jumpers, party wear, gifts and decorations are selling fast, if you have items to donate to boost our stock, we would love to receive them.”

When asked what was the strangest donation received? Alex told us they had been donated a brand new bath tub, which was sold almost immediately!

The shop is busy currently with winter stock, we have a fantastic range of jackets and coats all at bargain prices.

Holly, Supervisor

“We are supported with donations from our wonderful local community, for which we would like to say a huge thank you, you are truly helping to make a difference to those people locally who need our help the most. There’s never a dull moment here, and I don’t need a gym membership, it really keeps me fit!” Alex added.

You can support Pilgrims Hospices this season by purchasing from a range of Christmas cards in store or by purchasing a Charity Shop Gift Card. Pilgrims is the first charity in the country to accept a new multi-retailer gift card that can be used exclusively in charity shops.

The Charity Shop Gift Card is backed by the Charity Retail Association (CRA), and is sold and accepted in Pilgrims Hospices’ 30 shops, helping to raise valuable funds for end of life care for thousands of people in east Kent.

As well as boosting charity funds, money spent by cardholders will have a positive effect on the environment by supporting the growing second-hand revolution.

If you have items that you would like to donate to Pilgrims Hospices shops, there’s a full list of shop details here.

Pictured above:

David Poole – Driver, Adrian Shale – Warehouse Operative, Norman – Volunteer, Holly Brankin – Supervisor, Alex Hancock – Retail Manager and Janet – Volunteer

Pilgrims Hospices’ care is provided from three hospice sites in Ashford, Canterbury and Thanet as well as in patients’ own homes. To offer these services to patients and their families, the charity must raise £11 million each year from the generous local community.