Charity of the Year
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By Claire Stuart-Paulin, Senior Fundraiser
Over the past few months, the Ayrshire Hospice has made some exciting changes within its retail team.
kind, and we couldn’t be prouder to support such an amazing cause. The generosity of our customers and team all plays a massive part in us successfully raising vital funds and we look forward to supporting the Ayrshire Hospice for years to come.” The shop fundraises in many ways including donating 5p per carrier bag and 1p per swipe of loyalty card. But the staff don’t stop at that, they love to join in with Go Purple and regularly have raffles and tombolas which their customers thrive on getting involved with. Their grand total is over £5,000 to date and they have lots more planned. Thank you to all the staff and customers for their continued support and generosity.
Prestwick Jillian Plunkett is the Shop Manager in Prestwick and has worked for the Hospice for almost three years. She loves the connection with the local community in Prestwick, and previously in Mauchline, where she was the shop manager.
Kilmarnock Julie Grier & Babs – Julie has been working for the
Hospice for nearly two years, having previously managed the Kilwinning shop. She came to the organisation with years of experience in the charity retail sector. Julie successfully ran the
Jillian has a passion for helping customers find the perfect outfit at a fraction of the retail cost and creating vibrant, eye-catching
Kilwinning shop and has now moved to Kilmarnock with her Duty Manager, Helen, to continue increasing sales and introducing innovative ideas. Good luck, Julie and Helen! Regional Manager Gerry Rooney has recently joined the
The Original Factory Shop in Stewarton have chosen the Ayrshire Hospice as their ‘Charity of the Year’ for the past four years.
displays that help the donations we receive from supporters stand out.
You’ll usually find Jillian buzzing around, chatting with customers or helping her dedicated team of volunteers sort stock in the back shop. Pop in and say hello to Jillian and the team! Girvan Bernie Wason has worked for the Hospice for around three years and has invaluable experience in retail. Until recently, Bernie was the Assistant Manager in Girvan before being promoted to Manager in recognition of her passion and hard work in the shop and the Girvan community.
It’s typical for the stores to choose a different charity each year, but the staff were blown away with the reaction and generosity of their customers during their first year of fundraising.
Beth Gillies, Store Manager said: “We chose to support the Ayrshire Hospice as we all know someone who has had to rely on them for help when a loved one is sick. The work the Hospice does is one of a
Hospice retail team after 30 years in large retail formats, including Area Manager roles.
In his role at the Hospice, Gerry finds the work very rewarding and enjoys meeting the fantastic volunteers and staff, all working towards our core purpose.
Winter Fair Success!
Back in November, over 2,000 guests walked through the doors of Ayr Racecourse and contributed to an incredible record-breaking total of £28,124.84!
and extra festive fun was provided by the incredible Santa’s Grotto, the Kilted DJ, Ayrshire College Gingerbread Decorating, and a Special Children’s Book Reading by Greta Yorke. To complete the fabulous day, the Rapid Relief Team provided a delicious BBQ, enjoyed by all. Make sure you save the date for this year’s Winter Fair, taking place on Saturday, 15th November 2025, at Ayr Racecourse.
Gerry hopes to grow the retail operation and expand our online offering, helping to support people in Ayrshire who need palliative and end-of-life care.
Sponsored by Game Vault and Macklin Motors, the day was a roaring success from start to finish. Guests were greeted by the fabulous Hannahston Alpacas before beginning their shopping experience with over 100 stalls to choose from. Entertainment from Heathfield Primary School and Dalrymple Ukulele Orchestra filled the room with Christmas spirit,
Cumnock Kerry Cassidy has worked for the Hospice for several years as an Assistant Manager in Troon and has been successfully promoted to Shop Manager in Cumnock. Kerry’s flair for fashion and customer service will be a great boost to the Cumnock shop and its community.
April 2025 | EDITION 39
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