The Kinder Shop was open in the former Next store at the Loreburne Centre in Dumfries. (Monday 20th June)
An item like a BBQ set did not have a price tag of £70 but for 4 hours – time people could spend doing everything from helping out at the Queen of the South’s food hub to creating a sensory garden at The Bridge, to packing clothes for refugees or helping with the animal sanctuary at Mossburn Community Farm.
DGWGO went along to find out more.
Ross McCubbin, Cumberland Branch Manager said: “The Kinder Shop is a really unique shopping experience where we have a whole range of lifestyle items, some summer items, household items, candles, barbecues, garden furniture and all those things. So they all have a price tag attached and instead of a monetary value there is a pledge for a number of hours.”
“So, to purchase that item there’s no cash, no cards. You’d pledge your hours to a particular charity to buy that item.”
“Giving time back to the local community really forms a big part of our purpose. You know the community is something central to all our branches.
There were eight local charities to benefit from the Kinder Shop.
Food Train, Queen of the South Association, Kate’s Kitchen, Mossburn Community Farm, The Bridge, Sandside Community Garden Project, Sustrans Scotland, Massive Outpouring of Love
Hazel Thompson, Project Manager at Kate’s Kitchen in Annan said: “I think it’s amazing. I think it’s absolutely amazing. What a great concept and people can come in and buy decent products and not pay for cash. It’s not only that it’s bringing people into the town but they’re seeing volunteering opportunities and it’s giving something back to the community”
“So, at Kate’s Kitchen, there are a number of volunteer opportunities. We’re a community food hub. So if you want to get into the kitchen we can put you through your food hygiene course and then you can help the cook in the kitchen.”
“You can do front of house duties as well. We’ve also got a charity shop, so volunteers can come in and do some retail. We hope don’t turn anybody away. ”
“Everybody’s welcome. We’ve got befrienders that can introduce themselves to new people that are walking through the door. And just get them into the community and enjoy a bit of social activity you know and a nice atmosphere in the kitchen.”
The Kinder Shop was open in the Loreburne Shopping Centre from 10-4pm on Monday June 20th.
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