Councillor Richard Holmes visited his local Vincent’s in Cushendall in celebration of Second Hand September.
Vincent’s Cushendall is one of 33 St Vincent de Paul shops across the country which provides new and lightly worn clothing at affordable prices, as well as providing an income for the Society which is used to support those in need in the local community.
Councillor Holmes said: “I enjoyed the opportunity to find out more about what Vincent’s are doing to encourage greater awareness about sustainability, as well as their work in the community. After a tour of the shop, I left with a new outfit, including a blazer, shirt and jeans which I’m going to wear to our next Council meeting. It has certainly made me consider how changing our shopping habits can have a wider positive impact both on our environment and the local community.
“The volunteers are doing fantastic work by providing much-needed practical support to the most in need in our society and I want to applaud them for their efforts which are certainly making a positive difference.”
Speaking about the visit by Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Brendan McKernan, Chair of SVP Retail Committee, said: “We were delighted to welcome Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens to Vincent’s Cushendall to see firsthand the valuable work of our shop in serving the local community.
“We were grateful that Cllr Holmes took time from their busy schedule to meet with our shop staff and volunteers who worked tirelessly to bring Vincent’s back to life safely after lockdown.
“During Second Hand September we have been urging people to dig deep into their wardrobes and donate their unwanted clothing, as well as visiting their local Vincent’s to browse the treasures we have in store.”
There are 33 Vincent’s shops in Northern Ireland and a total of 227 in Republic of Ireland, making it the largest charity retailer on the island. The profits generated from the charity shops are recycled into local Conferences to support those in need.
