Wendy Bassett, CEO and Founder of Bethel Ministries and R&R
R&R was started on 25 January 2013 after a survey was conducted in Liskeard about the difficulties that people were experiencing in the current recession. The survey was carried out during a Christmas Giveaway where local residents were invited to enter a FREE PRIZE DRAW for a food hamper. Thirty hampers were made up and given to winners. In addition to the hampers 50 children's gifts were wrapped and freely given to children who attended with their parents/guardians.
The survey results showed that 100 percent of people interviewed agreed that a FREE Storehouse would help many. Some people expressed concern regarding those who would take advantage and they suggested strong boundaries/guidelines.
In the three months that R&R has been open, we have seen many people come through those doors with great need. They are greeted with dignity and respect. Staff encourage them to help themselves to what they need. If our guests can afford it, they are encouraged to give a donation, no matter how small. These donations will help to make us sustainable. We have had perhaps two or three bad experiences where people have taken advantage of the kindness, but that would make up 5% of guests so far.
R&R has been a blessing to ALL who have come in, some of whom have returned with items to put back into the store while others have volunteered their time. As a result of their generosity, we are now open from 10am to 1pm Monday to Saturday. Two of the staff members were finding it very difficult to secure employment elsewhere and they are very happy with the opportunity to have some work experience to put on their CVs.
We need to emphasise that we are not selling anything, if families are desperate we cannot justify asking for money. When some do make a donation in such circumstances, you can see the embarrasment on their faces as they drop their coins in the box, but staff will encourage them that we are grateful for every penny which helps to keeping a roof over R&R.
If you are able, please make a donation to support the work so that we can continue to reach those who cannot cope in the current economic climate. Also, visit us at the unit when we are open. You will at best get a warm welcome, a generous smile and a cup of tea/coffee with biscuit.
To find our more about other work that Wendy does in the community visit: www.bethelministries.biz
The survey results showed that 100 percent of people interviewed agreed that a FREE Storehouse would help many. Some people expressed concern regarding those who would take advantage and they suggested strong boundaries/guidelines.
In the three months that R&R has been open, we have seen many people come through those doors with great need. They are greeted with dignity and respect. Staff encourage them to help themselves to what they need. If our guests can afford it, they are encouraged to give a donation, no matter how small. These donations will help to make us sustainable. We have had perhaps two or three bad experiences where people have taken advantage of the kindness, but that would make up 5% of guests so far.
R&R has been a blessing to ALL who have come in, some of whom have returned with items to put back into the store while others have volunteered their time. As a result of their generosity, we are now open from 10am to 1pm Monday to Saturday. Two of the staff members were finding it very difficult to secure employment elsewhere and they are very happy with the opportunity to have some work experience to put on their CVs.
We need to emphasise that we are not selling anything, if families are desperate we cannot justify asking for money. When some do make a donation in such circumstances, you can see the embarrasment on their faces as they drop their coins in the box, but staff will encourage them that we are grateful for every penny which helps to keeping a roof over R&R.
If you are able, please make a donation to support the work so that we can continue to reach those who cannot cope in the current economic climate. Also, visit us at the unit when we are open. You will at best get a warm welcome, a generous smile and a cup of tea/coffee with biscuit.
To find our more about other work that Wendy does in the community visit: www.bethelministries.biz
