Housebuilder makes a ‘jelly’ good gesture for local charity
An Exeter-based charity is celebrating after a £1,000 donation from a local housebuilder to help refurbish its charity shop.
Exeter Community Initiatives (ECI) works in Exeter and across Devon, helping people who face poverty, inequality and homelessness to get their lives back on track by involving them in community projects to improve their mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, increase their sense of belonging and provide skills to help them succeed in life.
The charity recently approached Persimmon Homes, which has its regional headquarters on Exeter’s Sowton Industrial Estate, for support under its pioneering Community Champions programme.
ECI Chief Executive, Steven Chown, said: “We urgently need to refurbish our charity shop, Jelly, which sells pre-loved children’s clothes, toys and books, to create a bright, welcoming and cheerful environment for our customers - big and small!”
Located on Fore Street, Exeter, Jelly is run by paid staff and a team of amazing volunteers.
Steven added: “Some of our volunteers are out of work so by volunteering in Jelly they gain valuable retail skills to help get back into employment. Jelly has become well-known to the people of Exeter and beyond as the go-to shop for excellent value items and friendly customer service.
“This is more important now than ever, with the cost-of-living crisis impacting local families. This £1000 grant will make a huge difference to the refurbishment so a massive thanks to Persimmon Homes.”
On behalf of Persimmon Homes, Stacey Harris, sales director for Persimmon Homes South West, said: “We are very pleased to make this significant donation towards ECI and their Jelly shop initiative. Not only does Jelly offer excellent pre-loved bargains to local people but it helps others back into working routines and, hopefully, eventual employment.”
Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions fund exists to support charities and good causes in this region. To find out more, including details of how to apply, visit: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/community-champions
The company has a number of upcoming and recently-completed residential developments in the South West. For details, go to: https://www.persimmonhomes.com/find-your-new-home
Photo caption - Pictured at the cheque presentation are (L-R) Dawn Garrett, Jelly assistant manager, Steven Chown, chief executive of Exeter Community Initiatives, together with Persimmon sales managers Victoria Pring and Alex Chilcott
