New Salvation Army shop is opened

Stocking everything from bric-a-brac and books to barely used designer clothing, this bright and welcoming emporium has been a worthy addition to one of the town’s busiest locations.

Although the shop has been trading at its new premises since March, the official opening took place last Monday.

As he ‘cut the ribbon’ Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman P.J. McAvoy said: “I think the Salvation Army is a great exponent of charity within our midst. They have done great work over the years and I am delighted to be associated with this official opening and I wish them every success in their enterprise.”

Explaining why they decided to relocate their shop to its new site, Major Elizabeth Pritchard, who is the Salvation Army Officer in Ballymena, said: “We decided to move to this new site because it is handy to access and very spacious. It is easier to meet the needs of people who use wheelchairs or parents who use a pram. We could not do that very well in our previous shop.”

At its heart, the Salvation Army is a worldwide church and charity with a mission to save souls, grow saints and serve suffering humanity. It seeks the advancement of Christianity, education, the relief of poverty and other charitable objectives beneficial to society or the community of mankind as a whole.

Today, the organisation is active in 124 countries around the world and delivers its services in 175 languages.

Speaking at the opening, Major Alan Watters, Divisional Commander of the Salvation Army in Ireland, said: “I think this is a tremendous opportunity here in the town. What a great facility that we have right in the centre of Ballymena to meet some of the people from the community and their needs.

“As far as the shop goes, one would hope that people would want to come in here and not only purchase the various items at a very reasonable price but also make friends and meet with other people from the community.”

The Army’s motto, ‘Heart to God and Hand to Man’ is very much in evidence at the Ballymena shop.

Members of the Thursday night Knitting Club have been very busy providing hats and scarfs for homeless and needy people in the area.

Many other items are available in this well stocked shop; all at very affordable prices.

Store Manager, Doreen Armstrong said: “The only thing we are not allowed to sell is electrical goods due to health and safety regulations but we have everything else.”

“Business has been very good since we moved to the new shop. We rely on stock donations and we have been overwhelmed by the support that people have given us”, she added.

Doreen went on to say: “We really need more volunteers. At the moment, I have a team or about five working alongside myself and Major Elizabeth. There is a lovely atmosphere we have good fun. We hope that people will continue to support us with their donations of stock and maybe pick up a wee bargain themselves.”

To find out more about volunteering in the Salvation Army shop or to simply have a browse, call at 22 Broughshane Street, (Monday to Saturday 10am-4.30pm. There is late night opening on Thursdays and The Knitting Club takes place every Thursday night between 7pm-9pm to coincide with late night opening in the town).