Seceret donation allows Plymouth corner shop to stay open Cascade Plymouth comments

May 31, 2012 - PRLog -- A MANNAMEAD corner shop has been saved from closure – all thanks to a secret donor.
Plummeting trade meant Mannamead Stores boss Paul Edis faced closing the doors for good after more than a decade behind the counter. He has had to lay off five workers and now employs just himself and wife Srey-March. But after reading about the shop's problems and seeing its bare shelves in The Herald, a generous customer turned up with a £1,000 cash gift. Will Higgs of Cascade Plymouth commented on this “This is such a generous act of kindness. The secret donator should feel a mighty sense of pride for what they have done.” The donator and his family have asked to remain anonymous but the money has allowed Mr Edis to re-stock and get the convenience store back on track.


"I am so grateful to The Herald for covering the story of my plight and the closure of my little shop and the unwillingness of the major banks to help financially during these difficult economic hard times.” said Mr Edis "I am also so thankful for the support shown by my local community in keeping their corner shop open for trade, It was heart-wrenching this weekend when a local family contributed a great amount of money to restock the shop. I will be forever in their debt.” Cascade Plymouth said “Never under estimate the powers of the media. This generous donation means a lot to Mr Edis and his family and to the local community.”


Mr Edis said the mystery donor had originally offered him £2,000. "It's an amazing gesture," he added. "£1,000 is a real help. This will allow us 100 per cent to stay open and continue to trade. The store in Eggbuckland Road went from profit to loss in 2010 and has struggled to recover thanks to the recession. Weekday takings had fallen from £1,000 to just £200 and weekend takings from £2,000 to a mere £300, he said. “The recession has made it very difficult for everyone and local business such as Mr Edis’s unfortunately was heavily affected. This charitable donation means that after 20years the community can keep their little shop open for business. This is very touching and just goes to show kindness goes along way.” said Cascade Plymouth.