At the Gathering on 24th April at the Midlands Park Hotel, Portlaoise we launched our video The Power of People, prompting conversations about our members’ own experiences and the social impact that charity retail has on each one of them, their local communities, their charities, and our social impact in the wider community.
The event also included our heartwarming and much anticipated Annual Awards ceremony, an opportunity to celebrate the unsung heroes who run our charity shops throughout the country. We recognised the value and contribution of our volunteers, shop teams and shop managers and showcased the best shop windows and online presence. Judged by a team of external industry experts, this event brings us all together in a joyful, and sometimes tearful, celebration.
It is summarised by from Mark Sweeney, Chair of CRI, at a previous ceremony:
“We are here today to reward the people who make sure charities benefit from their retail operations. These are our managers, our volunteers and our shop teams. Without them, there is no charity retail in Ireland. We are here to recognise and to celebrate those people who make a difference.”
At this event we also be launched our Charity Retail Impact Report 2023 which highlights the economic, social and environmental value of the charity retail sector.