IN THE past 12 months, Coventry’s local Samaritans shop has raised over £50,000.
During the annual meeting on October 12, over 70 members of the Samaritans in Coventry shared inspirational stories and hard facts.
Listeners – who answer calls from distressed people – were assured their efforts would have saved many lives.
The meeting,was also used to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the charity’s expansion into Coventry.
Branch director Mark Newbold announce the charity’s local shop in Moor Street, Earlsdon, raised £53,835 from re-selling donated items both in the shop and online.
He added: “All the money raised from Coventry and voluntary-run shops throughout the UK and Ireland fund our national phonelines which are currently estimated to take a call for help every ten seconds.”
Around 20 people currently run the charity’s shop in Earlson and several have received awards for helping for more than five years.
Gillian Skelcher, who had been taking phone calls on behalf of the charity for 52 years, baked a cake to mark the 60 year celebration.
There are roughly 110 volunteers in the Coventry Samaritans branch including 20 running the shop while most of the others work shifts to handle 1,400 calls a month.
Call: 0808 115 1505 for the helpline.
