The Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop has returned for its fourth year at St Peter Mancroft Church, offering a wide variety of cards with all proceeds going to 28 different charities. The shop is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, and last year alone it raised over £47,000. Over the course of its 58-year history, the shop has raised an impressive £1.7 million for various charitable causes, with the goal of reaching the £2 million milestone in the coming years.
Lady Laurel Walpole, chairwoman of the organization, emphasized the importance of sending and receiving cards as a way to maintain connections, particularly for those who are not active on social media. The Lord Mayor of Norwich, James Wright, officially opened the shop and commended the range of charities represented and the crucial role that the shop plays in fundraising for them. The Lord Mayor thanked the volunteers and expressed gratitude for the shop’s consistent presence in the community year after year.
The shop will be open from Monday to Saturday, allowing Christmas shoppers to purchase individual cards or packs using cash or card. In addition to selling cards, the volunteers also donate gifts to create Christmas hampers, which are then raffled off to help cover the shop’s running costs. Edward Carter, the vicar at St Peter Mancroft Church, expressed his delight at the ongoing partnership and affirmed the church’s commitment to serving as a hub for community activities.
Overall, the Original Norwich Charity Christmas Card Shop continues to make a significant impact in the community by providing a unique opportunity for people to support multiple charitable causes through the purchase of holiday cards. With the dedication of volunteers and the continued support of shoppers, the shop is well on its way to reaching its next fundraising milestone.
