Lisburn Habitat ReStore is first in Europe

HABITAT for Humanity Northern Ireland has opened Europe’s first Habitat ReStore at Riverside Centre, Young Street in Lisburn.

Building on the success of 800 Habitat ReStores across the US and Canada the ReStore is a low cost DIY store selling donated new and used building supplies at a fraction of the cost.

In challenging economic times and with an increasing need to be more environmentally responsible the Habitat ReStore will serve local communities, divert tons of waste from landfill and ultimately help build a more sustainable future for Northern Ireland.

Habitat for Humanity Chief Executive, Jenny Williams explained: “The ReStore is about sustainability, affordability and meeting community need at home and around the world. Not only are we offering items at 50-75% lower than the normal retail price, we’re helping businesses and homes dispose of usable materials in an environmentally responsible way and bringing together volunteers at the same time.”

She continued: “Although hundreds of items have been donated and lots of regular volunteers already recruited, the success of the ReStore will be dependent upon on-going support.

“We would welcome donations or enquiries from any business or individual who thinks they can offer their support. The ReStore, including the donation centre, is open Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm.”

Profits from the ReStore will also support communities around the world by helping families in need to build their own way out of poverty. Habitat NI has already raised more than £2.5 million to support.

Habitat’s global programmes alleviate poverty through housing, improving health, increasing educational opportunities and providing livelihood support.

The ReStore will become a hub for Habitat’s work in Northern Ireland. The charity plans to engage more people in its mission as advocates around the issues of poverty housing at home and around the world.

With DIY sometimes being a stressful experience the ReStore will also offer shoppers the ‘Coffee Dock’, an honesty-box style café, where local people can come together to share a cup of coffee and take the weight of their feet.

Although the ReStore is already open for business the official opening will take place on Saturday, December 8, at 10am, with Lisburn Mayor, Alderman William Leathem, cutting the ribbon. The opening celebration will have activities for the whole family including arts and crafts, light refreshments and of course the opportunity to pick up a bargain. Everyone is welcome.

If you would like to get in touch with Habitat regarding donations or volunteer opportunities call 028 92 635-635 or alternatively email [email protected]

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