A MELKSHAM charity shop has received an early Christmas present from a local supporter who donated a series of paintings for sale.
Cats Action Trust North & West Wiltshire is still recovering from the financial impact of the pandemic after it had to close for several months last year. The charity’s latest fundraising event is its Christmas sale which began this week.
The promotion has been boosted by a donation of six paintings of cats by local artist Val Coyne. The attractive artwork is priced from £30-35 with all money going directly to the Trust.
Shop co-ordinator Karine Chevalier-Watts said, “We are very grateful for Val’s generous donation of beautiful paintings, which we are sure will attract lots of interest.
“Our last big fundraising event was an end-of-summer sale in September which was due to last three weeks but sold out in just two weeks, raising almost £1,000.
“We hope our Christmas sale will be just as popular. People will find lots of bargains, and their money will help us to find new forever homes for abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens.”
Val was a volunteer with the charity for 18 years, managing the shop when it was originally based in Union Street before moving to its current home in Bath Road, near the town bridge.
She said, “I have wonderful memories of my time with the Trust and still have very good friends there.
“I hope the sale of my paintings will help to support their wonderful work.”
The Christmas sale includes many clothes at half the marked price, including men’s jackets and jumpers, plus scarves for just £2 and gloves for just £1, gift sets of toiletries for both men and women, and family games.
Christmas cards, wrapping paper and decorations are also available.
The Trust shop is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10am-3.30pm.
The charity welcomes donations of good-quality clothes, books, toys, games, CDs, DVDs and bric-a-brac, but due to limited space it cannot accept bulky items such as furniture, bedding and electrical items.
Guidance on donations is available at www.catsactiontrust.org.uk/shop – please do not leave any items on the doorstep.
The Trust is also keen to hear from potential volunteers who can help with sorting and pricing the stock, steaming clothes, arranging displays and serving customers. Email catsactiontrust@gmail.com to arrange a chat.
