PIN store at sharp end of community

Photo: Darren Robinson

New charity shop 'PIN' on Market Street in Shaw. PIC shows L-R: Marie Hynes (proprietor), Leanne Greaves and Phil Taylor (volunteers).

COMMUNITY groups looking for a helping hand in Shaw are set to benefit from the opening of a new charity store with a difference.

The PIN (People in Need) shop, which officially opens tomorrow, has the unique model in that all its profits go back into initiatives which help the local community.

Former carer Marie Hynes came up with the idea for the store earlier this year and set about making her dream a reality.

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Using her own savings and a grant from the Oldham Enterprise Fund, she set up the PIN shop in Market Street and is looking forward to its grand opening.

Marie (44) said: “As a former carer, I’ve always wanted to do my best to help people.

“I saw there were a lot of people in Shaw who were in need of help and I thought this would be an ideal way to give something back to the community.

“Apart from the running costs and a salary for myself, all the profits will go towards making a difference in Shaw.”

She added that with the money raised at the shop she hopes to create local groups for young people as well as help elderly residents who may be lonely or in need of support.

Groups already in existence or struggling to cover their costs can also apply for help from the store and Marie has already approached job clubs to help provide work experience for their members.

The mum-of-two added: “Shaw is my home and I want to give something back. I’m hoping the idea will be a success so a lot of people benefit from the support we provide. It does not have to be exclusive to Shaw as the idea could be taken across Oldham.

“At the moment I have a three-year plan and so many ideas for the community that I want to help create.”

The store, which will sell second-hand and vintage items, opens at 10am with face painting and a raffle to win a £100 Christmas food hamper or £50 wine and chocolates hamper. Anyone who makes a donation to the shop on the day will automatically be entered into the raffle.

Marie, who received help from volunteers Leanne Greaves, Phil Taylor and Lisa Birtles to get the shop ready in time, said: “We’re hoping it will be a great first day in the store and we’re inviting everyone to come down, find out what we’re about and how we can help.”