Rowcroft's retail fund-raising adapts as charity shops forced to close

With the pandemic causing so much disruption to retailers on the high street, Rowcroft Hospice has been reacting to the changing retail environment by focusing its efforts online in a move to boost its charitable sales.

The hospice has found particular success through its Etsy and eBay shopping channels.

The online shopping channels are proving highly popular, and are an effective way of generating income while Rowcroft’s 13 South Devon high street shops remain closed due to the national lockdown.

The hospice’s digital approach is helping Rowcroft to maximise income in what is undoubtedly an extremely difficult and volatile trading environment.

Goods available to purchase online include the crème de la crème of pre-loved vintage and designer fashion, hand-picked from the kind and generous donations of the South Devon community.

Rowcroft’s Etsy shop can be found at: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/RowcroftRetail and its eBay shop is at: www.ebay.co.uk/str/rowcrofthospice.

“With our shops closed through the national lockdown, we are turning to online channels to maximise our retail income, enabling us to continue generating income to care for our patients and families,” said Rowcroft’s Head of Retail Caroline Wannell.

“This has been incredibly successful. While we realise that boosting online sales to grow our charitable income is becoming increasingly important, we also know that our high street shops (when we can re-open them) will continue to play a fundamental role in bringing in much-needed revenue for the hospice. We are so grateful to our amazing local communities and customers who support us, not just through purchasing items, but also through their generous donations of good quality items, and by volunteering for us.

“Given the escalating demands for end-of-life care in South Devon, this support is more important than ever.

“Shopping online with us is a great way to support the hospice, as the proceeds from every purchase go directly to caring for patients and families. Our shopping outlets are popular with customers young and old alike, and particularly appeal to those who prefer a greener shopping experience because most of the items are pre-loved and recycled.

“The global fashion industry accounts for 10 per cent of carbon dioxide emissions every year, and 20 per cent of waste water. It is polluting our oceans, rivers and streams, and the vast majority of clothing ends up in landfill.

“As more and more people are becoming aware of this negative environmental impact, they are rejecting ‘fast fashion’ and seeking sustainable alternatives such as pre-loved clothing. This growing demand for sustainable clothing is really positive in terms of protecting the environment, and for Rowcroft, it’s helping to generate much-needed income for the hospice.”

Rowcroft has 13 shops and cafes across Torbay and South Devon. All shops are currently closed due to the lockdown.

For further information about Rowcroft’s shops and cafes, and to find out how you can support Rowcroft Hospice during this pandemic, please call 01803 210800 or visit Rowcroft’s website at: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk

• The Torbay Weekly has adopted the hospice as its charity for the next 12 months. Our Raise for Rowcroft campaign aims to raise at least £50,000 for the hospice.  A lot of that will come as a donation from our new cover price which was introduced last week. For every paper sold for £1 we will donate 20p to the fund. We are still delivering free copies of the newspaper to 18,000 specially-selected homes in Torbay.  Another 8,000 copies will be available for purchase for £1 at extended network of supermarkets and shops throughout Torbay and now South Devon so we can give our readers an even bigger and better newspaper.
• We are also encouraging people to raise money in any way they can. Please let us and the Rowcroft fund-raising team know that your plans are linked to the Raise for Rowcroft campaign and we will do the rest. Telephone 01803 217540 or email fundraising@rowcrofthospice.org