Stromness was abuzz with excitement this Saturday past
(10th December 2011), in a way that may have surprised many a
reserved shopper. For weeks there has been a slow build of excitement that was
finally unleashed on the public in a superb display. What could I possibly be
talking about you may wonder? I am talking of course about the long awaited
official grand opening of the Orkney Islands Cats Protection charity shop, and
what a grand opening it was.
Everything from the offer of freshly made mulled wine,
the smell of mince pies and the warm and friendly greetings from the volunteers,
created the perfect atmosphere - one that is so fitting for the Christmas
season. But, and this is the point I would like to stress as much as possible,
it was not just the chance for shoppers to pick up a bargain and donate to a
fantastic charity; it was at its heart, an outstanding event organised to a
masterful precision for all of the family to enjoy.
Activities and entertainment were in abundance, from
being able to visit Santa to getting faces painted (an activity both the
younger ones and older ones were to enjoy), and enjoying the treats and snacks
on offer. Tombola and raffle tickets were also on offer with prizes donated
from many local businesses showing the support the charity has also managed to
garner in such a short amount of time. Shoppers were even treated to live
music, as a young but brilliant local fiddle player performed a collection of
Christmas and local songs for the pleasure of everyone.
But it would be unfair
to only mention the work and activities in the shop. OICPs own mascot “Magnus”
the Cat was true to the publicising of the event by braving the chill and
collecting donations, selling raffle tickets and promoting the charity to the
people of Stromness.
The day seemed to just fly by as quickly as the cake on
offer, and you just had to look through the windows to see that the event
provided a relaxed, friendly and very fun environment; I for one participated
in a balloon battle and ate my fair share of home bakes.
Volunteer manager, Amy Martin, and Head volunteer, Dean
Atherton, both announced their delight with how the event went and hailed the
day “an absolute success.” They also thanked all volunteers, shoppers and the
great many who donated to the event saying that “without the combined efforts
of everyone, we would have not had the success we did.”
The OICP charity shop is open Monday to Saturday, 10 till
4 (open till 4.30 pm Friday and Saturday), and is, without doubt, a well
received and exceptionally pleasant addition to the streets of Stromness - most
definitely a highly recommended place to visit.
As
reported by Ashley Blenkinsopp, OICP Volunteer