Charity shop damaged

The shop was only officially opened last year by the Ballymoney Mayor but over Easter three windows were broken costing, according to officials, more than a thousand pounds to repair.

Joyce Savage, Head of Appeals and marketing with the Ulster Cancer Foundation, said: “It was very upsetting to have our premises vandalised over the Easter holidays. Not only did the windows have to be replaced but a huge amount of time was spent collecting and disposing of shards and splinters of glass, which damaged the window display and a number of items from the store.”

UCF is a local charity that saves lives and enhances the quality of life of people who have been affected by cancer. UCF’s work is only possible because of the generosity of local people, who provide almost all the funding needed for our services. As a local charity all the money raised is spent in Northern Ireland.

Joyce added: “We have received incredible support from the local community since we opened our charity shop in Ballymoney last year. We have a lovely team of local volunteers and regular customers and it was disheartening that money had to be spent on shop repairs instead of helping those who need it most.

“We would ask the public for their support at this time and encourage them to help stock the shop with items for sale. This in turn generates the income needed to continue UCF’s work, helping local people affected by cancer.”

UCF shops will gratefully accept all donations of any unwanted items of clothing, bed linen, bric-a-brac, CD’s/DVD’s, books, toys, shoes, handbags and any other household items – simply fill up a bag and bring it in.

Inspector David Anderson of Ballymoney PSNI confirmed they are investigating the incident.

“This was distracting for the staff coming into work. They had a mess to clear up and this sort of thing makes it more difficult for people trying to raise money for worthwhile charities.”

Anybody with information can contact police on 08456008000 or phone the Crimestoppers freephone charity number on 0800555111.