New Emmaus shops around the country.

Shoppers seeking bargains and unusual Christmas gifts have more choice this year.

Five new Emmaus shops or stalls have got off the ground in recent months, selling furniture, bric a brac and other good quality donated items.

In Burnley, the local Emmaus Group have taken their first steps towards a permanent retail presence in the town by running stalls in local markets and car boot sales. Down the road, the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester presented Emmaus Salford with a donation for £5000 when he officially opened their shop on 18th November. Chair of Emmaus Salford Val Burgoyne explains: "Opening a shop in Salford will help Emmaus become better known in the area and enable us to raise funds towards establishing an Emmaus Community where formerly homeless people will live and work in a supportive environment."

A third Emmaus Group, Hastings and Rother, have succeeded in getting some exciting donations (a couple of examples are shown below) and have opened their shop in St Leonards. Proceeds from the shop will go part way towards raising the £750,000 required to build accommodation for 23 Companions, and a staff flat.

Two Emmaus Communities have also taken on new premises: Emmaus Hampshire, who have only been open for 18 months, are branching out into nearby Eastleigh whilst Emmaus South Lambeth launched its new superstore with a party on 5th Dec.

If you have items you would like to donate to any of the 31 Emmaus shops around the country, please contact them directly: Find your nearest Emmaus Shop.

Published on 8th December, 2009

"Emmaus has helped me look at myself. It's given me a purpose, stability and shelter. Before I came here I never quite knew where I was staying for a night, where I could go."