A new chapter in the story of The Bus Shelter has started with the opening of its first charity shop — and there is more to come.
Founder Kev Newton is looking for someone to take over his role as Island co-ordinator while he aims to establish more than 50 similar operations all over the country and then abroad.
The shelter, a converted bus run by volunteers, provides sanctuary for homeless people, giving them a place to sleep, plus food and clothing.
Kev said: “The shop is a natural progression to raise more funds and will be run by Carrie Philpott.
“Homeless people will be given vouchers to spend on clothing in the store, rather than us just giving them something they may not wear.
“But this is just the start. I need someone to look after the Island operation while I set up the business on the mainland.
“In the next month or so, we will have shelters opening in Ipswich, Milton Keynes, Dorset, Brighton, Southend and North Devon.
“We plan to have a bus in each county. After that, we plan to move globally.
“It’s amazing to think this all started on our little Island.
“We haven’t finished here, either. Our next project is to set up our own ‘waste cafe’ with food donated by Island firms, run by homeless people, who have been trained in business studies at the IW College.
“Our project is all about keeping people off the street and helping them to get a job and back into society.
“As we say: Sleep is only the beginning.”
The new shop, in Ryde High Street, will be open Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5pm, apart from Wednesdays when it will shut at 1pm.
For more details, visit www.thebusshelteriow.co.uk.