Trustus opens new charity shop in village
By Mary Dennehy
TRUSTUS We Care has opened a new charity shop in Tallaght Village, which will raise funds for older people services and supports across local communities, reports Mary Dennehy.
Established in 1969 as the Tallaght Welfare Society, Trustus continues to work to improve the lives of senior citizens, currently supporting more than 1,000 people across Tallaght and South Dublin County.
Marie Price Bolger, CEO of Trustus, with Tallaght native and comedian June Rodgers
A not-for-profit organisation, Trustus provides a range of supports such as home care and home help, meals on wheels, day care centre, pendant alarms and a friendly call service.
All funds raised through the new charity shop, which has been called The Magpie’s Nest, will be re-invested into Trustus and the continuation and growth of its services.
Speaking with The Echo, Marie Price Bolger said that in recent years traditional funding for home care and home help has dramatically changed with the introduction of tendering and privatisation.
One of the drivers behind the shop, according to Ms Price Bolger, is to also raise funds to assist people who continuously fall through the gaps, ensuring those who need support can access it.
According to Ms Price Bolger: “It’s perfect that the shop is opening now, as we are just about to open our 50th year celebration period.
The official opening of The Magpie’s Nest
“The opening of the shop shows that Trustus is still as innovative in its 50th year as it was in its first year, and continues to identify gaps and needs and address them.”
The charity shop stocks a range of quality second-hand items including ladies, gents and children’s clothing, bric-a-brac, books, CDs, DVDs, household items and small pieces of furniture.
A managerial job has also been created by the opening of the shop, with all other positions voluntary or through the active labour market.
“We are always looking for volunteers”, Ms Price Bolger said.
“Anybody interested in volunteering in the shop should get in touch.
“We are also taking donations and as more volunteers come on board, we hope to expand the shop.”
Ms Price Bolger wished to thank the voluntary board of Trustus for its support, adding how it was “lovely to see” one of the organisation’s founding members Aidan Thomas at the opening of the charity shop last Saturday.
The Magpie’s Nest is located in the Village Green, behind Molloy’s Off-Licence, beside Camile. Initially, it will open from Tuesdays to Saturdays, 10am to 5pm.
TAGS Tallaght
