Chancellor George Osborne took time out of his busy schedule to pop in to the Combined Charities Christmas Shop at Wilmslow library yesterday before heading over to Alderley Edge to open the new A34 bypass.
George Osborne chatted with Sheila Hallas MBE, who started this enterprise 39 years ago, customers and volunteers Linda, Liz, Tress, and Joy.
From humble beginnings in 1971, the Combined Charities Christmas Shop has expanded year on year to now represent over 100 charities. Combined Charities have stuck to their fundamental principle though, everybody working for the organisation does so on a voluntary basis and 100% from the card sales goes to the charities.
Since setting up her first shop 39 years ago Sheila and the team of volunteers have raised a staggering £3.5 million for charity.
In addition to the charity Christmas cards a selection of reasonably priced gifts for men, ladies and children are available to purchase.
Sheila explained "We inevitably have expenses, so by organising the sale of Christmas goods in the library we can cover our overheads with the profits from these, thus allowing us to stay true to our original ethos."
The Combined Charities Christmas Shop will be open at Wilmslow Library until Saturday 11th December and new for this year, in addition to cash and cheques, they will be accepting debit card payments.
For further information or to purchase charity christmas cards online visit the web site at www.christmas-cards.org.uk.
Photo: George Osborne with Sheila Hallas and volunteers Linda, Liz, Tress, and Joy.
