Streetwise Magazine, Norden & Bamford, March 2014 | Page 55

COMMUNITY STORE helping the homeless in Rochdale Petrus People Community store, which has recently opened its doors, sells a range of donated goods - everything from sofas to books, clothes, toys and bric-a-brac. Sales at the store and donations of goods all help to support the Petrus charity. The store caters for a wide range of interests, needs and incomes. There is a selection of products from designer, collector and antique items all in store - plus a wide range of general, good quality high street store items available. All items that the store recycles have been donated by people throughout the borough of Rochdale and surrounding areas. Many donors chose Petrus because they want to support a local charity which helps local people rebuild their lives. Petrus currently operates eight residential services as well as day services, welfare facilities and health and educational groups at the charity’s hub on George Street. At any one time the store is responsible for holding up to 30 sofas, 15 dining tables, 20 beds, a well stocked baby equipment department, a wide range of electrical items, kitchen appliances, hair and beauty items, office furniture and equipment, clothing and linen, hundreds of books and an interesting bric-a-brac department. The store also regularly receives fridges, freezers and dishwashers in good condition but staff find that these items sell out very quickly! The Petrus Community Store also provides a variety of opportunities for volunteers. These opportunities range from serving customers on the counter to experience of mentoring other volunteers. Volunteers are a diverse and welcoming group and includes retired people to younger people who are looking to improve their job skills in customer service and retail. The store is hoping to branch out and create training opportunities for their volunteers in the future. More volunteers are welcome to join the Petrus Team. Anyone interested in volunteering should call into the store for a form. The store can arrange the collection of larger items or larger amounts of donations. The store is responsible for recycling quality items in good condition. Petrus Community Store Unit 1 Hamer Lane Rochdale OL16 2UL TO DONATE, ENQUIRE OR VOLUNTEER E mail [email protected] or call 01706 341189 Visit our website www.streetwisemag.co.uk for all the info about the Streetwise magazines 55