GWAAC Shop Update: 2024 So Far…
June 26, 2024
On Tuesday 25 June, Great Western Air Ambulance Charity (GWAAC) opened the doors to its second shop in Bath and North East Somerset (B&NES). The new shop, which occupies the former Young Lives vs Cancer charity shop at 5 Bath Hill, Keynsham, Bristol, BS31 1EB is open from 09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Saturday.
GWAAC is inviting residents and visitors to the area to come in and explore the sustainable and ethical selection of second-hand clothes, accessories, and household goods. A warm welcome awaits and there is an opportunity to learn more about GWAAC's lifesaving work in B&NES.
The new shop in the heart of Keynsham is situated in a historic building, originally established as a weighbridge for the town in the early 1900s. John and Janet, who once owned the property and sold it in September 1993 to enjoy their retirement, have since remained dedicated landlords. They take immense pride in witnessing the remarkable evolution of their former shop, which now serves as the latest GWAAC shop.
Welcoming GWAAC to Keynsham
A launch event on the first day of trading saw volunteers, crew and customers come together to share stories and express gratitude for the hard work that went into opening GWAAC’s ninth charity shop.
Holly Sheehan, sister to former patient Luke, had the honour of cutting the ribbon at the opening of the new charity shop:
"Great Western Air Ambulance Charity means a lot to me because they looked after my brother Luke when he had his accident at work, even though he didn't make it. It's a really big honour to be asked to open the shop after everything GWAAC did for Luke, and it's been a pleasure to raise money for the charity."
Holly is continuing her fundraising efforts to raise £30,000 by 3 May 2025, which would have marked Luke's 30th birthday. Holly has already raised an impressive £26,000 for GWAAC.
Support GWAAC’s Keynsham shop
In 2023, 101 people in B&NES urgently needed GWAAC’s help, making up 5% of the charity’s total missions. GWAAC’s specialist crew of Critical Care Doctors, Advanced Paramedics and Specialist Paramedics in Critical Care, were called out to just over a third of emergencies in B&NES via helicopter, the rest using one of our Critical Care Car to bring the skills and equipment of a hospital emergency department to the patient.
With patient numbers rising year on year money raised by our Keynsham shop will help keep B&NES’ air ambulance service operational.
If you would like to make a difference in your local area, consider volunteering in GWAAC’s Keynsham shop by visiting the volunteer page of the charity’s website or get in touch with GWAAC’s Volunteer Coordinator, Sully, at Ursula.Sullivan@gwaac.com.
For updates on Keynsham Shop and to find out more ways to support us, follow our shop Facebook page!
The new interior of Keynsham shop
I'm so pleased that the Great Western Air Ambulance Charity shop in Keynsham is now open. We've got an amazing team of volunteers here to welcome you and so much stuff to buy. Come and have a rummage and support us in a new way. Thank you so much for your support.”
The crew visiting Keynsham Shop for open day
The new shop looks amazing, it's bright, colourful and cheerful. Thank you to everyone who's welcomed us to the high street, I'm really excited to be part of this amazing charity and we're all just so happy to be in and amongst the team.
Customers shopping in Keynsham Shop looking for their next GWAAC gem
