Rainbows End celebration

Story: Michelle Cook | Photos: Richard Hanson

When Charity shop Rainbow’s End was visited by Channel 4’s “Secret Millionaire” Simi Choudhrie, she gave £100,000 to help their work. Part of that money was for a celebration to reward all the people involved in the project.

The result was a glittering Oscar-style awards ceremony at the Cutlers' Hall on Thursday 22nd September.

The Right Honourable David Blunkett MP presented certificates to every single volunteer and said: “Your reputation is spreading far and wide. We are very proud of what you have achieved, the time energy, commitment. The secret millionaire money is a massive accolade to you and will allow you to develop the work you do. I’ve told Tesco they must work and support you!”

Yvonne Hayes praised the work of the Trustees and volunteers and the “generosity of people in Burngreave who give us goods to sell and come in and buy things”. Jokingly she said, “I think it’s Tesco who should be worried about us!”

Lyn Snow, Chair of the Trustees said, “It is great to see such a beautiful place. It is fantastic for Rainbow’s End to be honoured here”

She spoke a little about the origins of Rainbow’s End. Why the name? “People say there is a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow and I hope people will find it in the relationships formed on our settee in our shop sharing tea and their stories. Both in the Bible and the Koran, after the Flood, God sent a rainbow as a sign of hope. The shop is the people and we are celebrating all your hard work!”

Yvonne was presented with a bouquet. Mark Russell, Chief Executive of the Church Army, who employ Yvonne, said how proud he was of Yvonne and the project.

He also presented Margaret Morland, Rainbow’s End longest serving volunteer, with a special certificate and told her: “The whole project owes you a huge thanks.”

Rainbow’s End is open at Sorby House on Spital Hill: Monday – Saturday 10.30am – 5pm