ONE of the more unconventional charity shops around is celebrating its first year in business – and proof that even when times are hard, good things can happen.

Amaze, based in Malvern Link, was founded by Polly Reehal and Chris Lee after a long illness had caused them to lose everything and become homeless.

Because of the help they had from David Harper at Top Barn Farm they vowed to help others recover from homelessness by enterprise.

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Their own lived experience taught them that rather than live on handouts the best way out of homelessness is to work and earn money – to rebuild confidence and independence.

 

Inside the shop showing some of the clocks that have been made

Inside the shop showing some of the clocks that have been made

 

Chris and Polly work with homeless and disadvantaged individuals as a not-for-profit, social enterprise “to create exciting and unique gifts that are sold in the shop, the revenue paying the wages of those we help”.

Chris said: “The public donate items that are repurposed, by the individuals we help providing meaningful employment that builds confidence and independence helping people to rebuild their lives.

“The the day we opened the shop when we had queues of people coming to support us by purchasing items was a particularly proud moment.

 

Polly Reehal behind the counter in the shop serving customers

Polly Reehal behind the counter in the shop serving customers

 

“It had taken a lot of hard work to get to actually get to the point of open the doors!

“And it was also great when MP Harriett Baldwin came to the shop to give her support and acknowledge the help we give to the disadvantaged in the community.”

Of course, being a charity shop, there are bound to be a few donations which might raise and eyebrow – or a smile.

 

An amazing illusion! A purse appears to be pouring coins out onto a plate with no support. Made in-house from a donated purse

An amazing illusion! A purse appears to be pouring coins out onto a plate with no support. Made in-house from a donated purse

 

Chris said: “We have had many strange donations from the public including a box of over 1,000 spoons, 70 teapots all shaped like cottages, an odd series of self-portraits – with the artist frequently calling in afterwards enquiring if they have sold; and more than 20 copies of Fifty Shades Of Grey (complete with a set of handcuffs).

“And that’s not forgetting the various taxidermy animals and sets of used false eyelashes!”

 

A light made from donated Lego characters for sale in the shop

A light made from donated Lego characters for sale in the shop

 

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