Horsham charity superstore opens as hundreds visit at launch

Hundreds of shoppers attended the opening of the expanded Camelia Botnar Foundation charity superstore in Horsham, which now occupies 11,000 square feet; proceeds will support the foundation’s vocational training for disadvantaged young people.

The Camelia Botnar Foundation has opened a new charity superstore in Horsham after expanding its previous shop. The earlier store, located at the Camelia Botnar Garden Centre on Littleworth Lane, was popular during its 16 months of operation. The new shop covers 11,000 square feet and is now the largest charity shop in the Horsham area. Proceeds from the store will support the foundation’s vocational training programmes for disadvantaged young people. Key details: - The new superstore occupies 11,000 square feet and is described as the largest charity shop in the Horsham area. - The shop offers men's, women's and children's clothing, a children's toys and bric-a-brac section, music (CDs and vinyl) and a library-style area of categorised books. - Proceeds support the Camelia Botnar Foundation, which has provided training in skills such as carpentry, catering, welding, painting, motor mechanics and horticulture for over 40 years. - The foundation reported that in 2025 a record number of trainees left their courses for employment. - Retail Director David Anderson said trainees helped build and paint some of the new display units and noted the store includes plant sales and a Coffee Shop. - Chief Executive Paul Yallop said the foundation had been overwhelmed by public support, praised the site’s parking and donation drop-off, and said the team includes nine voluntary workers. Summary: The expanded store's size and early turnout are set to support ongoing fundraising for the foundation's training programmes. The foundation reports continued public support and has noted it accepts good-quality saleable items and welcomes new volunteers. Further developments are undetermined at this time.