Ambassador brings Christmas Sparkle to Northampton
Actor Michelle Collins took time out from performing in the Calendar Girls tour to visit our Barnardo's shop in Northampton.
Michelle, who has appeared in numerous TV shows and series such as Rock Rival, Two Thousand Acres of Sky and as Cindy Beale in East Enders, is a Barnardo’s ambassador and has supported the charity for 12 years.
Michelle was at the store to back an appeal and award one of the volunteers, Maureen Jeffery from Earls Barton, with her 10 year service medal.
The store, which sells a wide range of quality clothing and household goods, is promoting their range of evening wear for the party season but staff say they always need a constant supply of good quality donations to keep up with demand.
Michelle said:
It’s such a fantastic charity that really helps turn lives around so I try to take time out to visit one of their local community childcare services or a shop when I’m in the area.
"Like all Barnardo’s stores, their success is largely down to the hard work and enthusiasm of local volunteers but also the support they receive from the general public with donated items. So I hope local people will donate as many good quality evening wear items for the party season and also drop by to take a look at some of the fantastic bargains."
Most Barnardo’s stores have a paid member of staff to manage the store but the Gold Street store is entirely run by volunteers. John Leach, the volunteer manager, said:
It’s great that Michelle has taken time out to visit us and see what we do. It will be a real boost for business to promote our party range and of course for our volunteers."