Cards shop for charities opens at church centre

THE Cards for Good Causes pop-up is now open in the Christ Church Centre in Reading Road, Henley.

Volunteers will be selling Christmas cards and gifts in aid of more than 80 national and local charities and
120 community spaces.

It is open Monday to Friday until Friday, December 19 and on open Saturdays, November 29 and December 6 and 13.

James Blacklock said each year various designs are submitted to the charities which then select individual card designs to be sold.

He said there are generally three to four designs for each charity that receives the profits from card sales.

Mr Blacklock said the charity benefited from people’s generosity during the holidays.

He said: “It’s going to be slow to start, I think, but I’m impressed by the loyalty of Henley residents.

“We have been here for a number of years and it’s really touching to see that people, even not knowing we’re here, coming in and spending a lot on the cards for charity.

“What is great about this charity is that everybody likes to spend at Christmas and I think this is a really nice way to support your chosen charity while celebrating the season.

“The church here is also really welcoming and supportive.”

For sales of gifts and other products that aren’t affiliated with the charities, the profits are split evenly among them.

Over the last 10 years, Cards for Good Causes has raised more than £20m for charities and £2.5m for libraries, churches and other community spaces.

Chief executive Christine Ansell said: “Each card and gift purchased in our shops makes a real difference.

“Not only do you support the charities we work with but you also help keep community spaces such as the Christ Church Centre alive.”