Shoppers support ARK Horsham homelessness charity

ARK Horsham pop-up shop in Swan Walk Shopping Centre: (L-R) ARK mascot Keith the Giraffe with Lisa Price of the ARK, Lena Finch of the ARK, Kerry Gallivan of ARK partner charity, the Danny Gallivan Trust and ARK founding director Lisa Burrell - picture submitted

The shop was open both Saturday and Sunday during which time shoppers were able to drop by and learn more about the work of ARK, make donations or sign up as a volunteer.

They were also able to see a display of the few items a homeless person has on the streets to keep themselves safe and warm.

Lisa Burrell of the ARK said: “It was wonderful to be able to share the work of ARK with the people of Horsham and to let them know how together we can all help those who are less fortunate.

“The ARK volunteers did an amazing job and I am thrilled at the new interest in the work of ARK with donations and offers of more help - thank you to everyone who dropped-in to see us.

“We’re so grateful to Swan Walk for giving us the store for the whole weekend and the opportunity to talk to their shoppers about the work of ARK.”

They raised £224 towards the charity’s work.

Also at the pop-up store was one of ARK’s partner charities, the Danny Gallivan Trust for ex service personnel who have fallen on hard times.

ARK operates a drop-in service out of Horsham United Reformed Church with cooked meals served every Monday and Thursday and they hand out food parcels on Tuesday. At Christmas more than 30 guests shared lunch and presents there.

For more information about ARK go to thearkhorsham.org.uk

Go to www.dgtrust.org.uk/index.php to find out more about the Danny Gallivan Trust.