Oxfam shop on Navan's Trimgate St to celebrate 25th anniversary milestone

A SPECIAL event is set to take place later this month to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Oxfam trading in Navan.

On Friday, 20th September (10.30am), bargain hunters can fill their baskets in the Trimgate Street store when volunteers both past and present will gather to mark the milestone and special offers will be available all day.

Oxfam first started trading in the town in September 1999 and has become a stalwart of the community for volunteers and customers alike according to Bridget Walsh who has been store manager in the Navan outlet since the very beginning.

“We started off with very few volunteers but at the moment we have 30 volunteers and many of them have been here more than 20 years,” she said.

“The success of the shop is down to the dedication of our team but we have also had very loyal donors who have been coming into us for many years as well as customers,” added Bridget.

“They come in every Friday maybe and get to know who is on the till and have a chat.”

Those that visit the Trimgate Street shop have the opportunity to browse the wide range of books, ladies, men’s and women’s clothes, jewellery, music and media and bric a brac on offer. Keep an eye out for designer bags, shoes and high end jewellery too that often gets donated to the outlet that is treasure trove for bargain hunters!

“We also stock new products from corporate partners so it has a balance,” said Bridget.

The charity store has lived through many world events both near and far since its formation in 1999 according to Bridget who said:

“We have seen many change in the world over out time here and a lot of unrest in developing countries with many wars.

“I hope that the world we are living in now and our shop has helped people with the money we have raised over 25 years, I’m sure we have done lots of good for people who need it the most, displaced and in war zones.”

The Navan-based charity shop has faced its own fair share of challenges in the quarter of a century since it opened its doors too.

“We have had our own trials and tribulations over the last 25 years we have worked through recessions, we have had a complete currency change from the pound to the euro and in recent years we have worked through Covid and that was very difficult for our volunteers to face back into their voluntary role when we decided to open up again,” said Bridget.

“It was challenging for the volunteers but they still turned up and showed up and I’m so proud of them,” she added.

“They kept the shop opened and they did trojan work and because of them we are back thriving now again.”

The Oxfam store manager says it is the variety of the role that makes her job enjoyable.

“What I like about my job is that nothing ever stays the same, every single day I come in and I’m with a different team in both the morning and the afternoon,” said Bridget.

“ It is always interesting and it is always busy,” she added.

“None of our stock stays any longer than about two weeks so it is constantly moving all of the time. I enjoy working alongside the team of women and men we have here.

“I’m so grateful to the volunteers because without them showing up everyday it just would not work.”

As well helping those is disadvantaged parts of the world, Oxfam offers people a way to practice sustainability.

“We like to think we are helping develop the circular economy and encourage people to donate, buy and help with sustainability,” said Bridget.

“The life of a dress doesn’t have to end when you wear it once.”

Trevor Anderson, Director of Trading at Oxfam Ireland said: “Oxfam Ireland are thrilled to mark Oxfam Navan's incredible 25 years of service, which fittingly takes place in the middle of our sixth Second Hand September campaign. The local Navan community have generously offered uplifting support for over two decades, which is greatly appreciated by all at Oxfam.

“To see our customer base evolve into such a wonderfully diverse group of people over the years has been deeply moving, and connecting with younger audiences has curated new perspectives within the store.

“We would also like to acknowledge and commend Oxfam Navan's shop manager, Bridget Walsh, for giving us her time and patience over the years. We couldn't be happier with our volunteers.

“Donating to Oxfam Navan has boosted community sustainability and reduced the likelihood of brilliant quality items ending up in landfill. What more could we ask for? Hopefully 25 more years of service to come!”