The first in a new chain of charity shops has been opened in Dublin by Human Appeal Ireland.Minister of State for Primary Care, Alex White, was on hand for the recent official opening of the shop in brand new premises within the old Apollo building on Dundrum Road.

Human Appeal said its charity shops aim to be community hubs where locals can meet and chat over a cup of coffee, while also raising funds for projects around the world supporting efforts to tackle poverty, social injustice and natural disaster.
Customers will be able to pick up a bargain or two from the second-hand selection, as well as handmade goods from micro-businesses established by Syrian refugees.

“It’s a great honour to have Minister White launch our shop,” said Belkacem Belfedhal, manager of Human Appeal Ireland. “The Irish people’s response to the crisis in Syria has been amazing. We hope these shops will help us with funding our long-term projects.”

Management, staff and supporters of the non-profit say they are upbeat about the new opportunities offered by the launch of these new charity shops.

“We hope that our new shops mirror the ethos of how we work as an organisation in Ireland,” said accounts manager Fiona Duffy. “Our team is both multicultural and multi denominational and we work in harmony to ‘get the job done’. We believe in encouraging integration of all groups within our community.”

Among those celebrating on the day was shop manager Ammar Ouamar. “It is a great pleasure for me to be involved with such a great charity,” he said,” and it was always in my mind to come and help such a great cause giving my fashion expertise!”