Community members from Emmaus Mossley have returned from the French capital after taking part in the Salon Emmaus 2019.

On Sunday 23 June, a 20,000m2 hall at the Paris Expo welcomed more than 120 Emmaus groups from across Europe selling a wide range of items, with all money raised being used to support international Emmaus projects tackling poverty and social exclusion.

A group of six people from Emmaus Mossley teamed up with volunteers from Emmaus Leeds to take a van load of bric-a-brac, clothes, textiles and small furniture items to sell at the event.

Gary, a companion of Emmaus Mossley who attended his third Salon Emmaus, said: “It was another amazing Salon. We had a great team and everyone worked really hard. The number of Emmaus groups that attended from all over Europe was as large as I have ever seen. It was also good to see so many items being donated at the end of the Salon to communities who struggle. Thanks to everyone who took part and those who attended for making it a brilliant experience.”

Although Emmaus Mossley is an independent local charity, it is part of a much wider Emmaus movement of 350 groups located in 37 different countries. This year’s Salon Emmaus also marked the 70th anniversary of the movement which was founded in France just after the Second World War.

Hazel Hodkinson, Retail Manager at Emmaus Mossley, said: “The annual Salon Emmaus is a fantastic opportunity to travel, learn, laugh and work together to support some very worthy projects around the world. This year was a warm one but very successful and everyone who was part of our team took a lot from the experience.

“We didn’t want to come home with an empty van so we made some purchases ourselves and plan to create a French themed display within our Secondhand Superstore.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home and work in a community setting. The concept of solidarity, getting involved in volunteering and helping groups in need, is a central ethos of Emmaus and a motivation for those who helped at the Salon Emmaus.

To find out more or support Emmaus Mossley head to www.emmaus.org.uk/mossley. If you would like to get involved or donate an item, please call 01457 838608 or visit the store at Longlands Mill, Queen Street, Mossley OL5 9AH.