The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary defines Philanthropy as "the practice of helping the poor and those in need", while Collins Dictionary of the English Language says it refers to "the practice of performing charitable or benevolent actions", but can also mean "the love of mankind in general".
Phil Barnes and Esther Phelpotts opened Philanthropy London in June
"Philanthropy" is also the (very apt) name of one of the newest shops to open in the centre of Palmers Green - Philanthropy London, to be precise. It's an unusual name for a rather unusual business - a novel variation on the charity shops that we're so familiar with. Like them its windows and interior are filled with "preloved" clothing, accessories and homeware and the profits it makes are spent on a good cause.
However, it's not a charity, but a Community Interest Company or CIC, which means it has to return at least 65 per cent of its profits to the community, and instead of the money being spent on good causes elsewhere, the benevolent actions that the profits fund actually take place on the premises and benefit local people.
Profits from sales are returned to the community in the form of pay, at London Living Wage rates, for up to eight hours work per week in the shop, for adults suffering from mental health issues or who have learning disabilities. To identify people who could benefit, Philanthropy works in conjunction with the Equals Employment Service at Enfield Council and with the Working Well Trust, a charity that works within the NHS to help people suffering with their mental health to find paid employment.
"Not everyone can fulfil a complete job description, but we believe everybody can do something of value and should have the opportunity to contribute to society through fulfilling employment", says Phil Barnes, who set up the business with partner Esther Phelpotts.
In the spirit of this positive vision, Phil and Esther have created a bright, spacious and upbeat environment and taken care when chosing items to sell. Both the shop and its business model, they say, have gone down well with customers.
Philanthrophy London is located in the former Boots opticians shop at the Triangle (248 Green Lanes).
An invitation from Philanthropy London
We are looking for DONATIONS & VOLUNTEERS!
If you have some good quality clothes, shoes, accessories and homeware, please drop them off in store during opening hours Monday- Saturday 11am-6pm
Or if coming by car, park up in Lodge Drive car park (behind McDonald’s), give us a call on 020 3883 3185 and we will come and pick it from your car.
If you have a minimum of 4 hours a week to spare, are over 18 and would like to give us a hand, please pop in for an application form or chat.
We thank you in advance for your support and are looking forward to seeing you soon!
Esther and Phil
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