About us
Shop And Donate is a not-for-profit organisation whose objective is to provide community cohesion and wellbeing for people of all ages, cultures and abilities.
We are passionate in our belief that London communities desperately need local hubs to provide a set of safe, secure and proactive services. Shop And Donate has sought to achieve this, created in 2015 to help residents develop their skills and gain employment while offering them a wide range of activities to participate in. Our hub seeks to provide a cellular office opportunity, designed as a space to both work and learn.
We help young people in your community and other areas in London to go from being unemployed or unemployable to become skilled and then helping them get into work or start their own business.
Community Hub:
Purpose: A central gathering place for local residents to connect, participate in events, and access services.
Features:
- Event Spaces: Rooms and community co-working hot desk space for meetings, workshops, and social events.
- Information Center: A place where people can get information about local services, resources, and upcoming events.
- Multipurpose Rooms: Flexible spaces for activities such as classes, support groups, or leisure activities.
Community Café:
Purpose: A welcoming space where people can relax, enjoy food and drinks, and engage in conversations.
Features:
- Affordable Menu: Offering a range of healthy, budget-friendly options, with possible emphasis on local and sustainable ingredients.
- Seating Area: Comfortable and inclusive seating arrangements that encourage social interaction.
- Community Programs: Hosting events like book clubs, live music, or open mic nights to foster community engagement.
Community and Social Supermarket:
Purpose: Providing affordable groceries and essential items to the community, particularly targeting those in need.
Features:
- Low-Cost Products: Offering a variety of staple foods and household items at reduced prices.
- Discounted Goods: Focus on items that are close to their sell-by date or have been donated, reducing food waste.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Engaging the community in the operation of the supermarket, providing work experience, and building connections.
- Support Services: Information and access to resources like financial advice, cooking classes, and healthy eating workshops.
This location seems designed to be a cornerstone of community life, fostering social connections and providing essential services in a warm, welcoming environment.
Here’s how your business can make a difference:
Financial Contribution: A donation of any size will help us reach our goal. Every pound you contribute brings us one step closer to opening our doors.
In-Kind Donations: We are also in need of equipment, furniture, and supplies to outfit the new location. Any in-kind contributions would be greatly appreciated.
Partnership Opportunities: We are open to discussing partnership opportunities, such as sponsorships or collaborative events, that can benefit both your business and the community.
In recognition of your support, we would be honored to highlight your business as a key partner on our website, social media channels, and at the new location. We believe that together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those who need it most.
Please feel free to contact me directly at 078 5294 5928 or sales@shopanddonate.org to discuss how we can work together to support this vital cause. Thank you for considering our request, and for your continued commitment to our community.
We look forward to the possibility of partnering with you to bring hope and relief to those who need it most.
With sincere thanks,
Danny Barnes
CEO
Shop and Donate
What is a CIO?
CIOs are limited companies, with special additional features, created for the use of people who want to conduct a business or other activity for community benefit, and not purely for private advantage.
This is achieved by a “community interest test” and “asset lock” which ensures that the CIO is established for community purpose, assets and profits are dedicated to these purposes. Registration of a company as a CIO has to be approved by the Regulator who also has a continuing monitoring and enforcement role.”
Registered Charity Number- 1195163
Our Team
Danny Barnes
CEO
Jade Fevick
Trustee
Jason Bakash
Trustee
Anjali Bhatai
Trustee
Siphura Asha
Trustee
Kassa Gardner
Trustee
Our Volunteers
Tisha Rabadia, Paul Zabnienski
Last updated: 16th February 2022
A Word from our CEO
“I’m on a mission to help as many people as possible” – Danny Barnes
In 2012, while unemployed himself, Danny Barnes set up a community project in London called Acknowledging Youths to raise aspirations and make a positive contribution to the lives of young people in London and provide education, training and employment.
This is achieved by a “community interest test” and “asset lock” which ensures that the CIO is established for community purpose, assets and profits are dedicated to these purposes. Registration of a company as a CIO has to be approved by the Regulator who also has a continuing monitoring and enforcement role.”
“Whenever I tell people my story, they’re inspired to change their lives; I’ve been in prison myself, I’ve been in gangs, I’ve been homeless, my sister died of Leukaemia at 14 and I grew up not knowing my mum. Because of this, I’m able to engage with young people and I know exactly what they are going through, having been through the same experience.”
Danny wanted to raise the aspirations of young people in inner London who were unemployed and didn’t expect to get work because they lacked both skills and opportunities. He wanted to make a positive contribution to the lives of those young people, by increasing their self-esteem and confidence, giving them new skills and ultimately helping them become more employable.
This is achieved by a “community interest test” and “asset lock” which ensures that the CIO is established for community purpose, assets and profits are dedicated to these purposes. Registration of a company as a CIO has to be approved by the Regulator who also has a continuing monitoring and enforcement role.”
They also offer the chance for young people to volunteer within the organization so they can gain valuable work experience.
“When a young person comes to us, they might not be ready to go into a job, so we ask them what they want to achieve, work out what we can do for them and then help them to reach their goals.”
Danny recognises that some young people have the potential to start their own businesses. To help them get started, he set up an Enterprise Club in partnership with NatWest. This offers young people the opportunity to do a business course to make sure they’re on the right track and have the best chance to make it on their own.
Shop And Donate is going from strength to strength, now running a Charitable Incorporated Organisation staffed by volunteers with Danny as CEO. Their initiative has been recognised with several contracts from the DWP to work in Westminster, Chelsea, Kensington, Hammersmith, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Southwark and looking to expand in entire London.
“I know our approach works and I’m determined to carry on and show that it can be done.”
Shop And Donate works and support those young people in the community who are vulnerable or neglected. From juvenile ex-offenders, drug dealers, gang members, young people in care and pupil referral units – for young people who are not able to attend mainstream education often due to exclusion. Engaging with over 4000 young people to date, helping to tackle the nationwide issue of youth unemployment through a community focused grassroots initiative.