The Archbishop of Wales will open a charity shop next week set up by churches to support people in debt.
Dr Barry Morgan will cut the ribbon of the Storehouse Community Shop in Aberkenfig, which is a joint project by eight churches and chapels in the town to raise money for a debt centre.
The shop, which will sell good quality second-hard clothes, books and CDs, will be manned by church volunteers and all the money raised will go towards setting up a Christians Against Poverty debt centre and also to local charities in the community.
Revd Stephen Pare, priest-in-charge of Aberkenfig, said the shop was the idea of church leaders from a variety of traditions in the community. He said, “It’s the result of nearly two years of regular, weekly-united prayer meetings. Our aim is to provide a service for the community while at the same time raising money to set up a debt centre. The charity, Christians Against Poverty, supports those in debt, helping some 20-50 families a week become debt-free.
“None of the money the Storehouse raises will assist the running costs of the churches and chapels – it will all go to the community.”
The shop is run by volunteers and also a manager and assistant manager whose posts are part-time and funded by a generous donation.
Also present at the official opening on Tuesday will be the Revd Chris Gray, Assistant Chair of the Methodist Synod, who will cut a cake inside the shop. All will then be welcome to Aberkenfig Bible Church for tea and coffee.
The Storehouse Community Shop opening takes place 95 Bridgend Road, Aberkenfig, on Tuesday, December 3, at 1.30pm.
The churches supporting it are: Aberkenfig Bible Church, Aberkenfig Church of God, Wesley Methodist, Tondu, Nazareth Baptist Church, Bryncethin, St Roberts Roman Catholic Church, Aberkenfig, Smyrna Baptist Church, Penyfai, The Parish of All Saints Penyfai, and the Parish of Llansantffraid, Bettws and Aberkenfig.
The shop is open Monday -Thursday 10am -4pm and Saturday 10am – 1pm.
