Story By Fran Belbin
Charity shop Rainbow’s End closed its doors to customers at the end of March after over 6 years of service to Burngreave. The decision to close was not made hastily and it was with deep regret that the trustees concluded that the premises should be vacated. A number of factors influenced the decision, including a lack of funding to pay a worker and commercial challenges.
The charity was ultimately unable to draw down the £100,000 they were offered by TV’s Secret Millionaire to buy a new building to develop their work.
Sister Yvonne Hayes, co-founder and trustee, said:
“I thank God for the dedication, hard work and support of all our volunteers, the trustees and for the amazing generosity of the local people who have given us so much. We want to say thank you to the lovely people of our community for the love, the laughter and everything you have given us and Burngreave during the Rainbow time.”
The Rainbow’s End legacy lives on however. Donations and purchases enabled the charity to give £2500 in cash donations to local groups; £7231 in goods to local groups and individuals in need; £650 in necessary basic food shopping for people in crisis; 44 people were supported into work; 36 volunteers were supported with asylum issues; and 57 people came to the shop on placement. Many others who visited the shop were offered appropriate support and signposted to the services they needed.
The trustees will be considering their future options in coming months.