Shopping Unltd is marking ‘Purple Tuesday’ by launching a new initiative with Christmas Giving at its heart.
It wants to assist Guernsey’s population living with disabilities to fulfil their Christmas Shopping desires with two trips into St Peter Port planned to coincide with the popular late night shopping evenings.
Tim Feak, the charity’s Development Manager, said the purchasing power of the people they help is often overlooked, so they’ve arranged to take the shoppers in to town using the charity’s bespoke purple mini-bus.
They’ll be picked up from their homes at a designated time before being given a lift back at the end of the evening he said.
“It highlights the power of the ‘Purple Pound’ – an estimated £274 billion spent by disabled folk and their families in the UK alone each year. Yet many retailers miss out on this vital market due to accessibility barriers.
“Christmas Shopping UnLtd aims to change that. This initiative ensures that islanders can experience the joy of giving this holiday season – choosing gifts for carers, friends or grandchildren with dignity and independence.”
The minibus trips will operate on 4 and 11 December, arriving in Market Square at 17:30 and leaving at 20:00.
Shopping Unltd teamed up with the Guernsey Retail Group to offer their new festive initiative with sponsors Alliance and the Co-Op already displaying their logos on the side of the big purple mini-bus. Charity officials confirmed they are hoping for more sponsors to be added too.
Jonathan Creasey, the Guernsey Retail Group’s Chair, commented: “Late night shopping has become a much-loved fixture in the Island’s calendar so it’s great to see this initiative from Shopping Ltd.
Mr Creasey added: “It makes the experience more inclusive and accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the wonderful festive atmosphere throughout St Peter Port. The GRG is absolutely behind this.”
