The team at the Emmaus Department Store gave out flowers to customers on Valentine’s Day as a heartfelt thank-you to local supporters. All purchases made at the store funds housing and life-changing support provided by homelessness charity Emmaus Lancashire.
The rose-inspired act of kindness marked the run-up to the store’s first anniversary of opening at Fishergate Shopping Centre. We were keen to celebrate the continued support from customers from across Lancashire who shop to help Emmaus support people to rebuild their lives after homelessness.
Since opening its community home in Preston almost 20 years ago, Emmaus has supported hundreds of people who have experienced of homelessness. The charity provides a safe and stable place to live alongside personalised support to help people move forward with their lives.
One of those people is Marcus, who now has a home and support at Emmaus after becoming homeless when his relationship broke down.
With support from Emmaus, Marcus has achieved certified training and developed new skills through hands-on retail work experience at the Emmaus Department Store.
Marcus said: “Several things all reaching boiling point. Now I have a safe place and somewhere to go, which settles my mind.
“My experience of Emmaus has been great. Emmaus made me feel welcome.”
Marcus was among the people supported by the charity who helped open the Emmaus Department Store in March last year. At 120,000 square feet, it is the largest of its kind in the UK and is packed with beds, sofas, washing machines and more.
As well as selling a wide range of household items, the Emmaus Department Store delivers goods to homes across Lancashire, from St Annes to Skelmersdale.
Stephen Buchanan, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Lancashire, said: “Giving out Lancashire roses and other flowers is a small token of our appreciation to the many people who support our charity. For near to 20 years, their kind support has enabled Emmaus to help people in need in the county.
“We wanted to pass these flowers on to thank everyone who shops with us and helps to fund the support we give to help people achieve their goals after homelessness.”
Thanks to customer support, several people supported by Emmaus have gone on to gain Employability NVQs, Customer Service NVQs, First Aid qualifications and valuable work-related skills through real-life experience in store.
Emmaus Department Store and Cafe is located opposite Preston Railway Station at Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston, PR1 8HL. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9am–5pm, and Sunday, 11am–5pm.