Hospice Shops to temporarily close in response to COVID-19 outbreak.

In these unprecedented and challenging times, and like so many other organisations over recent weeks, we have seen a rapid and dramatic fall in the number of customers visiting our shops. Hospice’s Island-wide shops play an important role for so many people and communities and the protection of our patients, staff, volunteers and customers is our top priority. 

 

In response to the rapidly evolving situation, and advice that we all need to observe strict social distancing guidance, Hospice is announcing that it will temporarily close all its shops and Warehouse and cease to accept all clothing and furniture donations at any of its shops and Warehouse, or Island-wide dump bins, from today (Monday 23 March 2020). This will help us protect our much-valued volunteers, many of whom are elderly, customers and staff. However, the continued help and support of the public remains vital to Hospice so that it can continue helping those with a life-limiting or terminal condition now more than ever.   

                                                   

Anne Mills, Chief Executive at Hospice Isle of Man, said:

 

“Whilst we have taken the decision to temporarily close all our shops and Warehouse, the public can still support us at this difficult time in other ways and we would kindly ask that they do not leave donations on the pavement or outside our shops or Warehouse, or use our clothing dump bins - and keep these for a later date.”

 

Hospice has already refocussed how it continues to best help patients who have regular support needs and never more has the support of the local community been needed to ensure it can continue to be here for those who need the charity, now and in the future.  

 

Anne added:

 

“We remain committed to continuing to deliver our vital services to anyone living with a terminal or life-limiting condition. Never more have we needed the generous support of those in a position to help us either through our online donation options, Lottery or leaving us a gift in a will, as an alternative to being able to support us through our retail shops”.