A very SPECIAL shop in Garvagh marks milestone

IT’S a special shop for special people!

The SPECIAL Charity Shop in Garvagh celebrated its first anniversary on Saturday, November 4.

The SPECIAL (Special People Exceptional Children Investing in Amazing Lives) charity is the brainchild of Eileen Rainey and was birthed out of her passion and vision to set up a charity shop in the local area.

As a carer for her son Michael, for the past 37 years, Eileen understands more than most, the support that carers and SPECIAL children and adults need - on so many levels.

Eileen had put her heart and soul into another charity shop for a number of years but this did not support local children and adults with disabilities.

When she left, Eileen decided to follow her heart and set up a charity shop which could help other people who faced the same challenges as herself and Michael.

The proceeds from the SPECIAL charity shop will be used to benefit people with disabilities and special needs and their families, including siblings and carers in Garvagh and the surrounding area.

The charity aims to fund equipment, holiday breaks, day trips, respite for carers and family and special events.

Stephen Rainey, a trustee at the charity added: “This list is by no means exhaustive, and every application will be considered on its own merit and against the criteria that has been agreed by the SPECIAL charity shop trustees.

“We would like to emphasise that this is a cross community charity which has been set up for the benefit of everyone in Garvagh and surrounding areas.

“People will have the opportunity to apply for support irrespective of religion, race or creed; after all, disability knows no bounds and impacts families from every background in our communities.”

Full story in this weeks Northern Constitution!