A Chamber Member has expanded its retail presence in Lancashire for the fourth time in less than two years.
Woodlands Animal Sanctuary opened its latest Community Hub in Ormskirk on Saturday, 14 March – supporting its long-term strategy to generate sustainable, recurring income to meet growing demand for its services.
It marks the charity’s fourth retail opening since October 2024 – complementing its thriving Hubs in Skelmersdale, Chorley and Southport.
“We have received incredible, long-standing support from Ormskirk and its residents, who have backed our mission to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals over the past 20 years,” said Founding Trustee Vickie Blackburn, who took over the running of the Sanctuary following her mother’s passing from cancer.
“Choosing the town for our latest venue is our way of giving back – by offering Cost of Living-based support through the sale of preloved goods. We don’t want families to have to choose between feeding themselves or their much-loved pets, so we are also launching a pet food bank to help prevent the trauma of animal abandonment when basic care needs cannot be met.”
TikTok fashion influencer Robyn Elphick, 31, from Rainford, was guest of honour at the grand opening – cutting the ribbon at the new Wheatsheaf Walk premises before welcoming a large crowd inside.
The mum of one, known online as @robynnmia and followed by more than 100,000 people for her eye for preloved fashion and styling, said she was delighted to support a local cause.
“Woodlands is a really lovely charity, and I was so grateful when they reached out to me,” she said. “I always like a local charity shop – especially one in The Concourse Shopping Centre and Skelmersdale, where I’m from and do most of my shopping. Hopefully, this latest opening encourages more people to shop and support charities. I’m not saying never buy anything new, but there’s already so much cool stuff out there. You never know what you’re going to find.”
Woodlands is the largest multispecies sanctuary in West Lancashire and has rehomed 3,300 animals since 2020. With daily operating costs of £1,000, the charity’s Trustees have focused over the last 12 months on diversifying income streams through retail outlets, corporate partnerships, experience days, lottery schemes and legacy giving.
“We match our income to the number of animals we care for, not the other way round,” explained Vickie. “Put simply, the more income we generate, the more animals we can help; the more suffering we can alleviate; and the greater the positive impact we can make across Lancashire and its communities.”
This impact extends beyond animal welfare. Woodlands works closely with public sector partners to offer volunteering opportunities through probation services and social prescribing referrals. This work recognises that people who are struggling with mental health, isolation or reintegration gain therapeutic benefits from caring for animals. An educational programme – promoting responsible pet ownership – has benefited more than 1,000 young people in the past 12 months.
“Corporate volunteering, team away days and animal carer experiences are also available to local employers looking to increase morale, engagement and job satisfaction; achieve their Corporate Social Responsibility objectives; or increase their brand visibility,” added Vickie.
The Ormskirk Hub will operate five days a week from 10am to 4.30pm.
