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Sight Matters to close Douglas charity shop

Rising costs make Strand Street store 'unsustainable'

Manx charity Sight Matters has announced it will be closing its shop on Strand Street in Douglas.

The store has been on the high street for nine years and the doors will close for the final time on Saturday, 21 December.

The charity, which supports more than 700 people with serious sight loss on the Island says, despite best efforts, rising costs of running the store mean it is no longer sustainable to continue its operation.

Sight Matters has thanked everyone who's supported the site over the years, and says it will continue to explore other opportunities to fundraise and engage with the community, ensuring that our services remain accessible to those who need them most.

Sight Matters CEO Cathryn Bradley says: "The decision to close the VIP Store has been an incredibly difficult one, but rising costs have left us with no other option. 
"We are deeply grateful to everyone who has supported the shop over the years. In particular, the volunteers and staff who made it all possible. While this chapter is coming to an end, our commitment to supporting people living with sight loss remains as strong as ever." 
Sight Matters' Marketing and Fundraising Lead, Peter Marshall, has been speaking to Manx Radio - listen below to the full interview via Newscast:

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