THE ‘OVERWHELMED’ and ‘grateful’ co-founder and manager of Teardrops are thanking the public after almost £6,000 was raised to save the charity from closure in just three days.
Teardrops was founded eight years ago initially to help the homeless in St Helens, eventually changing to help all in need in our town, becoming a vital bridge to what other charities and food banks offer to those at crisis point.
As a way to be more sustainable, in September 2023, using legacy money left to the charity, Teardrops founded Mellor and Black Enchanted Tea Rooms and an upcycling furniture business called Made Up inside the downstairs of the former Ena Shaws building.
The intention was funds garnered from these businesses would go back into Teardrops – however due to rising costs and the cost-of-living crisis, the charity has been left with a horrible situation and will close the two businesses on Saturday, June 1 following a fundraiser to try and save the charity.
They also risk the closure of Teardrops charity itself if the £50,000 needed isn’t raised within a month.
In just three days since the Star reported on the appeal and the fundraiser was set up, the community has rallied together to raise £6,000.
Manager Nick Dyer and Co-founder Denise Kelly said: “It’s absolutely fantastic and makes us feel really tearful actually because this shows to us how much this charity really means to people in St Helens.
“We’ve had so many who aren’t able to donate get in touch and send letters of support or offer to help in other ways and that means a lot too.
“The aim of Teardrops was always to help those in need and vulnerable in St Helens and we don’t want to close our doors.
“We are extremely overwhelmed and honestly just feel very grateful so we hope people can come together and help us save Teardrops.”
An event on Saturday, June 1, at Mellor and Black Enchanted Tea Rooms will see stalls, live music, games and raffle alongside food and refreshments all in a bid to raise funds to save Teardrops.
Entry is free and the event will run from 11am to 4pm.
Nick also made a video regarding the appeal below.
To donate go to gofundme.com/f/save-teardrops-from-closure
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