About Us
Combined Charities Christmas Shops 1971 - 2024
2024 is our 53rd year.
Remarkable when you think back to our first, unintended, unplanned, unfinanced ‘shop”. A cold old tiny shop in an Alderley Edge side street, with a pasting table, a candlewick bedspread, a cash box and a paraffin heater. (I had made a chance remark that I couldn’t find anywhere that sold Charity Christmas cards, and was offered the shop!)
Somehow against the odds, we have not only survived but flourished, and so began an enterprise that has generated sales of over £6m for the participating charities.
The incentive has always been to raise needed money for many charities with 3 defining principles - charities come free - they get 100% of their sales - and no one is paid.
In 2024 Combined Charities will have Christmas shops in Wilmslow, Macclesfield, Knutsford and Sale. We cover the inevitable expenses (rent, publicity, insurance, equipment etc) by selling gifts toys and stocking-fillers alongside the charities' cards.
Over the 53 years this venture has attracted some extraordinarily talented people who give their time and talents to the successful running of this organisation. No-one is paid a penny.
To those of you who come to our shops we are friendly and welcoming. The charities themselves take turns to staff the shops – and they really enjoy their days’ shop-keeping, chatting to customers, topping up the stock, and even playing with the toys!
Despite the cost of stamps, there is still a place for sending traditional Christmas greetings to family and friends. And of course, the need for funding is still paramount, for research funding, treatment, hospice care and so much more. With an army of amazing volunteers, and with your support, we will continue to help our charities.You can rest assured that 100% of the value of the charities' sales is returned to them.
We thank you all for your support, and wish you all well
Sheila Hallas MBE
Honorary Organiser