Something Bazaar in the Heart of Ballymoney

‘Can Can Bazaar’ has been relaunched in new premises at 49a Main Street, Ballymoney. The new shop which is significantly bigger and better, brings together three of local charity, CAN’s social enterprises, Can Can Recycling, Can Can Bazaar and newly launched, Can Can Upcycle under one roof and promises to be a gem in the heart of Ballymoney’s Main Street!

CAN (Compass Advocacy Network) recognised the need for a second hand book shop in the town and needed a showroom which would display some of their upcycled and refurbished furniture. Janet Schofield, Director of CAN said “The new premises became available just as we were awarded a grant from the European Social Fund to provide more work placements for people with learning disabilities.

“We wanted to revitalise our shop to increase people’s awareness of what we do, give our trainees more opportunities and to generate additional income for the charity. Can Can Bazaar will now operate a book store and sell previously loved, upcycled and new, ethically sourced homeware, jewellery and accessories”.

Set up as a social enterprise project, all income from activities is re-invested into the organisation to develop and move the projects forward. Clare Carson, Social Enterprise Manager said “Can Can Recycling is our main social enterprise but we recently started an “Upcycling” project, taking furniture, clothing, fabrics and discarded jewellery and turning them into beautiful, one-off pieces. Our members are involved in every aspect of this and are gaining skills in furniture restoration, craft-making and sewing amongst others (the aim being to give them skills to take into the workplace). Can Can Bazaar’s new premises give us a fantastic opportunity to show off what we do best!”

If you are able to support Can Can Bazaar either by volunteering or donating good quality books, furniture, clothing or bric-a-brac, please contact Clare Carson, Social Enterprise Manager on Tel. 028 2766 7775. Alternatively, please feel free to call in to our premises on the Main Street or our Main Building at 20 Seymour Street, Ballymoney.