13 March 2013
Alok Sharma, the Member of Parliament for Reading West, on Friday 8th March 2013, attended the official re-opening of the Christian Community Action store on Oxford Road following a re-furbishing of the store by volunteers.

Christian Community Action (CCA) is a Reading charity committed to helping local people in need by offering a listening and signposting service at five support centres across Reading and by providing good quality second hand furniture to those that cannot afford basic items for the home as well as providing emergency bedding, kitchen packs and food. The local community can also access affordable clothing, bedding, books, toys, household goods and other items sold through their 4 charity shops. Volunteering opportunities are also provided for those finding their way back into the workplace.

The work of Christian Community Action started in the Reading area in 1992 with a desire to reach out to those on the margins of society, whether through poverty, homelessness or long term unemployment. The work was the vision of Nick Crowder, a “man with a van,” who took it upon himself to collect clothing and furniture from donors and supply these to individuals and families who were desperate for support. He used a small derelict barn as a store house.

Alok Sharma said: “The Christian and faith-based groups across Reading, like Christian Community Action, do a fantastic job supporting the vulnerable and those in need irrespective of their creed or beliefs, and are a real backbone of civic society in our town. I was therefore delighted to be invited to officially reopen this store and meet old friends and new who provide such brilliant selfless volunteering and financial support for this outstanding organisation.”

Mireille Haviland, Community Relationship Manager at CCA said: "it meant a lot to us that Alok came to speak at and celebrate this event with us. He spent time talking to our staff, volunteers and customers about our work and the local area. He has supported us on a number of big issues recently and we are grateful to have him fighting our corner."

Photo: (L-R) John Turner, CCA Operations Manager, Annmarie Paterson CCA Managing Director, Alok Sharma MP, Mark Hill Oxford Rd Shop Manager, Mireille Haviland Community Relationship Manager