The Resurrection Furniture shop, a social enterprise established by the Parish of the Resurrection, has reopened on Alton High Street as it continues to serve the community through the COVID pandemic.
Although lockdown meant the temporary closure of the second-hand furniture shop, it continued to help the Alton community stay positive and connected throughout a challenging period. During lockdown, the shop window was converted to display all the inspirational work that had taken place in the community and served as a source of information on services available for people who needed help. The display celebrated carers and NHS staff, as well as the work of volunteers from the Alton Mutual Aid Group, the Church and Foodbank.
Resurrection Furniture also ensured that Christian holidays such as Easter would continue to be celebrated, despite the closure of places of worship due to the lockdown. Across the Easter period the shop window was decorated with the Christian message and changed every day.
Reverend Andrew Micklefield, Vicar for the Parish of the Resurrection said:
“During a time that can feel overwhelming, it is important to remember there is still much to be grateful for. Giving thanks and celebrating the inspirational work of the community can be healing and is part of showing our faith in Jesus Christ. The Resurrection Furniture shop has helped provide that revival and is certainly proving to be Church in the community.”
John Hubbard, Chair of Trustees for Resurrection Furniture said:
“We have just re-opened the shop successfully and after 3 years in operation we are becoming an established High Street presence. Even when we were closed for business the shop window was alive with the Christian message. Our sense is that this is needed by those who pass by and are now able to call in again”.
Resurrection Furniture is a charity shop committed to helping those in need and advancing the Christian Faith. It was established in 2017 by the Parish of the Resurrection, which comprises of the churches of St Lawrence Alton, St Peter’s Beech, All Saints Alton and Holy Rood Holybourne. The profits from the shop are used to support the education and development of young people in the area. The shop also provides voluntary employment and training opportunities for those struggling to find work, especially young people, and students.
In April this year, Resurrection Furniture provided a £6,000 grant to the King’s Arms Youth Project to support the fitting out of the youth hub at The Tannery on Vicarage Hill. This was in addition to various items of furniture including a pool table that Resurrection Furniture had already donated.
Resurrection Furniture reopened on Thursday 16th June and has taken all steps possible to ensure the safety of its customers and staff. It now continues to raise money for those most in need by selling well priced, good quality second-hand furniture and also offers discounts for those suffering financial hardship.
