Much-admired Harrogate charity's relocation to larger premises will benefit local community groups
An ethical Harrogate charity says an unexpected £150,000 windfall will enable it to make its biggest move since it was launched in the town nearly 40 years ago.
Harrogate Fair Trade said it was thrilled to learn it had secured £149,633 from the York and North Yorkshire Mayor’s High Streets Fund.
It says the funding will support a move into larger town centre premises for the benefit of a range of local community groups and charities.
Gillian Parkin of Harrogate Fair Trade said: “This funding is a major step forward for Harrogate Fair Trade and for the producers we support around the world.
“A new space will allow us to create a place where people can shop ethically, learn, develop and feel part of the community.”
Having established a Fair Trade presence in Harrogate 37 years ago, the move marks a significant step forward from the charity’s tiny but popular shop at St Peter’s Church on Cambridge Street, where it has built a loyal following.
The project to relocate to larger town centre premises will be developed by Harrogate Fair Trade in partnership with Zero Carbon Harrogate, Harrogate Skills for Living, Black & Green Consulting and the Co-operative Group in Harrogate.
Victoria Wild of Harrogate Fair Trade said: "Our aim is to create a one stop ethical shop, where global meets local and people come before profit.
"Not just lots more fair trade goods but a place for local artisans to sell, where local charities can exhibit and raise awareness, where people can stock up on plastic-free essentials.
"We've always had supported training for people with autism and learning difficulties but we'll be able to do this much better in a bigger space.
"It's exciting to get the chance to create the sort of space Harrogate has needed for a long time.”
Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, David Skaith, whose High Streets Fund has supported 65 projects in North Yorkshire in total, said: "By supporting Harrogate Fair Trade, we will be supporting a collaborative ethical shop that will also bring training opportunities for people with learning difficulties and autism."