A Bedford charity is appealing to local builders, contractors and DIY enthusiasts to help get a new town centre charity store open in time for Christmas.
Madad, a charity founded in 1978 and now led by Bedfordian Saqhib Ali, is preparing to launch a new shop, with the Madad SOS Build (Repair & Refurb project, but they need practical help to get a ground-floor retail space of around 900 sq ft ready to trade.
They are asking builders, property contractors, DIY enthusiasts, corporate volunteer teams and anyone able to give time, skills or materials to help turn the former Ladbrokes on the corner of St Paul’s Square and the High Street into a welcoming charity shop.
The work needed includes painting and decorating, small plasterboard jobs, panelling and boxing-in, ceiling panels, electrical work, and a general tidy-up and spruce-up.
Saqhib said: “It might sound ambitious, but with community support, we believe we can do it – just in time for Christmas gifting.”
Cost-of-living support
Madad stores are described as an outlet designed to respond directly to the cost-of-living crisis, offering affordable furniture, clothing, antiques, and bric-a-brac.
Alongside low-cost items, the charity gives grants of up to £50 to people in need to help with food, utilities and clothing, and hopes the Bedford shop will become another route to reach those struggling to make ends meet.
The charity already has a store in Watford, which Saqib says is in growing demand all the time.
“We could probably have 200 shops, and it would not be enough,” he said. “The cost of living is no longer just a crisis; it’s the state of play today.”
Madad was set up by Mr Ali’s father in 1981 and passed on to him five years ago. From the outset, one of its core principles has been to alleviate poverty, and he is determined that the new Bedford store will continue this.
“The great thing about being a small organisation is that people can connect with the staff and with me as the owner,” he said. “There has been a backlash against big multinationals. People like to build up a rapport, to know who they are supporting.”
The charity also plans to work more closely with other organisations so that partners can refer people in need directly for grants.
How to get involved
Madad is now looking for local tradespeople, companies and volunteers to help get the Bedford shop fitted out and open as soon as possible.
Success, says Saqhib, will not be measured just in sales, but in how many people the shop can help through affordable essentials and small emergency grants.
To find out more about Madad, visit madad.co.uk.
To volunteer time, skills or materials to help set up the new Bedford store, contact Saqhib by email at saqhib@madad.co.uk or call 01234 676232.
