Guide Dogs pop-up shop returns to Taunton

A Guide Dogs pop-up shop opens its doors to Christmas shoppers in Taunton from 16th November.

Back for a fourth year, the shop is run by local volunteers and sells preloved items and a range of Guide Dogs merchandise to raise much-needed funds for the sight loss charity.

The shop will be in Unit 32 of the Orchard Shopping Centre (next door to last year’s shop) and is open until Saturday 21st December on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 10am to 4pm. It will also open on Sunday 24th November to coincide with the town’s Christmas lights switch-on event.

Over the past three years, the shop has raised almost £40,000 for Guide Dogs, including £19,608.41 from last year alone.

Dave Arney from Taunton fundraising group which organises and runs the shop, said: “We’re delighted to open the shop again for this Christmas and hope to build on our success in previous years. We’ve been so encouraged by the support and interest we’ve had from the public, with lots of people asking about whether we’re having a shop again, and when it will be opening.”

Krissie Isaac, Community Fundraising Relationship Manager for Guide Dogs, added: “Our amazing volunteers work so hard to put this on every year and really appreciate all the support they receive from the local community, including donations of good quality items that they can sell in the shop. If you’re in the area in the run-up to Christmas, please do come in and say hello.”

“The funds raised through initiatives such as this allow Guide Dogs to continue to be able to fund our life-changing services for people living with sight loss. We’re so proud of our volunteers and would like to thank them for everything they do.”

To learn more about Guide Dogs, including how you can help by fundraising or volunteering, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-can-help