COLIN Callander-Bone is settling in as the new boss of SHAX, the region’s homeless support charity.
He takes over from Joyce Harkness, who retired after ten years at the helm.
Colin joins SHAX from Tesco Extra Dumfries, where he was the home shopping manager for 12 years and also spent summers volunteering for charity.
He said: “Joyce and the team have done an excellent job at SHAX over the past ten years, in what was an extremely challenging time for most individuals and organisations.
“I would personally like to thank Joyce and my new colleagues for their commitment to SHAX and I congratulate them on their successes. Joyce is continuing to support me with projects during this initial transitional period, and for that I am also grateful.
“We all know that times are tough and that SHAX services are needed more than ever, so my job is now to ensure that SHAX continues to be here to support those who rely on our services, to provide opportunities for employment and volunteering and to fulfil our ambitions to minimise landfill and to protect our planet. We can’t do this without the amazing support of those who make donations, those who work and shop here, those who partner with us and those who fund us, so a big part of my role will be to maintain existing relationships and to form new ones to help drive future growth.
“While we have a fantastic location here at The Crichton, we are mindful that our retail experience and working conditions in our current showroom could be better, and so I also look forward to working with the trustees to improve the day-to-day experience of our staff, volunteers and customers in any way I can.”
SHAX was set up in 2012 to support individuals and families, who have, or are facing crisis due to poverty and/or homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway. They also meet the increasing demand for Emergency Starter Packs containing home essentials for those who find themselves homeless or in temporary accommodation.
It is largely self-funded through the sale of quality pre-loved furniture, household items and clothing. As a social enterprise, every penny they make is reinvested in the organisation to ensure they can continue to offer the service.
Chairman Ian Callander welcomed Colin and said: “Thanks to Joyce and the staff team, we are in a strong position, but there are challenges ahead and so we very much look forward to working with Colin and utilising his vast skills and experience to navigate these challenges and to find new ways of achieving success and fulfilling our ambitions.”
