It’s all systems GO at former Quayside premises
GIVING Opportunities has officially reopened at the former Quayside shop on the Bridge.
All three shops – GO, GO2 and GO Outdoors – are now located on the same site, which also houses a sorting area and workshops.
The charity’s patron, Lt-Governor Vice Admiral Sir Ian Corder spoke at the official opening, followed by Guernsey Community Foundation chairman Wayne Bulpitt and GO director Justine Gaudion.
‘It’s been brilliant – we’ve been really busy,’ said Paula Mills, GO manager.
‘We’re all intermingled now with everything in the same place.
‘We’ve brought a lot over from the old shops, so some of the shelves are from GO2. We were told we could use anything on the site, so some were leftover.
‘Some were just pallets, which I believe were used for transporting glass, that we have turned into shelving.
‘Basically we’re trying to upcycle everything possible.’
Items are collected from Longue Hougue by staff to be sorted, before going for repairs or upcycling.
‘Vans bring stuff from Longue Hougue to be sorted and priced. Because we were closed since before Christmas there was a lot of backlog, which we’re going through now. With our new on-site electrical shop we can do mechanics and lawnmowers and things.’
Trainees can now experience a wider range of roles.
‘Before you would just be put onto one thing, but everyone is going to be set in all departments now. If all our trainees are doing all the jobs, they will learn a lot more and get a bit of change.’
GO Longue Hougue trainee Karl Enticott said: ‘We always pick up good quality items. Normally I deal with the clothes side of things, and make sure it is top-notch. I’ve been with GO for five years and have been doing this for just over a year.
‘As I see it, in this tough climate it’s especially good to have a job. I’m not one to sit around either.’
During his speech, patron Sir Ian said the new site was an impressive, voluminous set up, and that it was inevitable that GO would outgrow their previous facilities.
Sir Ian announced that GO chairman Sarah Bamford was stepping down, but will become an ambassador, with Ms Gaudion and GO general manager Rob Kerry jointly taking up her mantle.
Site owners the Norman family were thanked for making the facility available, along with numerous others such as sponsors for making the project happen, and Ms Bamford for determination in founding the charity and making it what it is today.
Ms Gaudion said: ‘There are so many people in this room who we owe an enormous amount of gratitude to, for their funding, support, time and effort. If we can adopt even half the amount of energy Sarah has – we have big shoes to fill.
‘Most importantly, thank you to Rob Kerry and our GO colleagues. How tirelessly they have worked for six months moving two buildings into one. This day, really, is for all GO colleagues and the success they have achieved.’
