Local Tipperary charity shop hosts array of festivities to mark grand-opening

Vincent’s charity shop, Thurles, hosted its grand-opening ceremony on Thursday, July 31.

The festivities got underway at 12pm, with tea, coffee, snacks and face-painting available to all in attendance, as Jeca the Clown entertained guests both within the shop and on the street.

READ MORE: Spot anyone you know? Throwback to fans' pics of Tipperary's 2019 All-Ireland Final victory

The ribbon-cutting took place at 12:30pm, being cut by Fr Purcell, along with Joan Maher, Joan Connors, and Rose Webster.

Speaking with Tipperary Live at the ceremony, store manager Rose Webster detailed her excitement for the future of the branch: “The store was revamped last August and today is the official opening day of that revamp. They're here in this store since 2021, and before that, they were down beside the Town House Deli.

“It's to bring the community in, because obviously we give back to the community so that's what today is about. The raffle prizes that we’re giving back to the community, and obviously the promotions, and just supporting what St Vincent de Paul does.

“The excitement in the build-up was like the All-Ireland, it was just that buzzing feeling, the volunteers are fantastic, they’re giving up their time, so it’s about them as well, and the hard work that they do here in the shop, but it’s also about the community and the recurring customers that come into us, and all of the profits then go back into the community and help the people that need the help in the community.”

READ MORE: PICTURE: Local TD gives new Tipperary veterinary clinic the 'seal of approval'

Speaking on the mission of St Vincent de Paul, Rose emphasised how important giving back to the community is to the organisation: “They do direct assistance so they do, so if anyone is in need of help or anything, they do direct assistance whether it might be, you know, vouchers or assistance with bills and stuff like that, or food, and so they've different types of services that they do.

“We have different parts of St Vincent de Paul, you know like it could be home visitation, the meals on wheels, the shops are only a small sector of St Vincent de Paul.”

The shop ran a special promotion on the day of the opening, with 20% off all items in-store, as well as a raffle entry for every customer who spent €10 or more.