New MyWillen loyalty scheme rewards shoppers while supporting local hospice care

Shoppers at Willen Hospice’s charity shops can now save money while helping to support vital hospice care, thanks to the launch of a new loyalty scheme.

The MyWillen loyalty scheme has been introduced across all 15 Willen Hospice shops as part of the national Secondhand September campaign, encouraging people to embrace secondhand shopping as a more sustainable alternative to buying new.

Customers can sign up by purchasing a MyWillen loyalty card, made from recycled plastic, for just £1. Once registered, shoppers will earn one loyalty point for every £1 they spend in participating Willen Hospice shops.

When customers reach 20 points, they will receive £1 off their bill, giving regular shoppers the chance to make savings while continuing to support a local cause.

The scheme is available across the Hospice’s network of shops in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas, including Towcester, Buckingham and Woburn Sands.

Willen Hospice hopes the new initiative will encourage both existing supporters and new customers to discover its shops, particularly as Secondhand September encourages people to rethink their shopping habits and consider buying pre-loved clothing and other goods.

The Hospice’s shops offer a wide variety of secondhand items, including clothing, furniture, vinyl and many other products, giving customers the opportunity to find something different while also helping to reduce waste and support more sustainable shopping.

Ian Palmer, Associate Director of Retail for Willen Hospice, said the organisation has a loyal customer base but that shoppers may not always realise just how much their purchases contribute to the Hospice.

“We have a fantastically diverse range of shops, and such a loyal base of customers – many of whom may not realise the difference they’re making by shopping with us,” he said.

“With every visit, they are helping to keep the Hospice open and make our care available for the local people who need it most.

“That’s why we’ve decided to launch our MyWillen loyalty scheme, as a thank you for customers who want to support a local cause when they buy secondhand clothing, furniture, vinyl and so much more.”

Willen Hospice provides free expert care and support to local families affected by life-limiting illnesses. Providing these services costs around £11 million every year, with more than a quarter of that income generated through the Hospice’s shops.

That means every purchase made in a Willen Hospice shop can make a direct contribution towards helping the organisation continue providing its services to local families.

The launch of MyWillen comes at a time when secondhand shopping continues to grow in popularity, with campaigns such as Secondhand September encouraging consumers to consider the environmental benefits of buying pre-loved goods.

For Willen Hospice, the scheme combines those sustainability benefits with an opportunity for shoppers to make their money go further while supporting care in their local community.

Customers can find out more about the MyWillen loyalty scheme on the Willen Hospice website or by asking a member of staff at any of the Hospice’s shops.

Points cannot be earned or redeemed against new goods, delivery charges, food and drink from the Woburn Sands café, Lottery payments, scratch cards, any other lottery product or raffle associated with Willen Hospice.