Inspire’s charity shop, il-Bejta, has opened its doors to the public at its new premises in Birkirkara. The ribbon was cut by Inspire’s clients from their Adult Training Programme, in the presence of Mayor Michael Fenech Adami, who welcomed Inspire to the locality, Helga Ellul, president of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, who spoke about the importance of business activities with a social aim, Janatha Stubbs, one of Inspire’s trustees, and Fr Anthony Cassar, who did the blessing.

Il-Bejta, which is run entirely by volunteers, is a haven for shoppers who want to find a vintage piece for a fraction of the cost. It has always aimed to be different from other Maltese charity shops. The shop is far from being a jumble sale and almost all the goods sold are brand new or hardly used; therefore customers are guaranteed a satisfactory buy, while proceeds go towards Inspire’s various disability services and programmes.

Carmen Borg, one of Inspire’s employees, who helped set up Il-Bejta four years ago at its previous location at the Embassy Shopping Complex in Valletta, said, “We thank the public for supporting us for these past four years; everybody has been so helpful! We encourage them to continue to sort out their closets, cupboards and wardrobes for things which are relatively new or new and no longer useful to the family.”

Situated in the centre of Birkirkara, right opposite the civic centre, the new shop, which will also see the launch of an online version at www.trolleymania.com, promises to be a favourite with shoppers who wish to browse through the huge array of items and find a bargain, helping children and adults with a disability in the process. Inspire volunteers and staff encourage the public to “Come in and look around because you might say – look what I’ve found!”

Il-Bejta is open Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 12.30pm. Those wishing to donate any items can bring them to Inspire Bulebel Centre or call 2167 3706 / 7978 7977 to establish a more convenient drop-off point.