Since Mister Gees Limited opened its first shop on Warwick Parade in 1972, South Woodham Ferrers has meant a great deal to my children and me.
 
I arrived with a small van, a push-bike and the intention of running the best sweet shop in Essex; it was that sweet shop that allowed me to grow the business that we own today and, after forty-nine years I am enjoying the opportunity to repay some of the benefits accrued along the way.

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As well as managing stores I was fortunate enough to become active within the wine and food industry and realized that the enjoyment gained from this involvement was somewhat tempered by the fact that others on this planet were suffering and dying for want of clean water and basic foodstuffs.
     
In 2017 my daughter Elizabeth and I began setting up a charitable foundation that would support and encourage young people to study farming, sustainable fishing and water management, particularly those who might otherwise lack the  wherewithal or funding to do so without a great deal of assistance.  These are skills that will no doubt prove invaluable to society as a whole in years to come. 
 
Following the decision by Muscular Dystrophy to surrender its lease of their charity shop on Warwick Parade, Mister Gees Foundation (Trading) Limited a not-for-profit company registered at companies house now operates the shop with all profit going to Mister Gees Foundation which has now been granted charitable status, registration number 1181204.

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The refurbished shop operates like most other charity shops, however adhering to the age old saying “charity begins at home”, not less than 50% of all profit generated is donated to good causes or groups within the geographical boundary of South Woodham Ferrers (as defined by Essex County Council) and an independent group of local residents has been selected to accept applications for, and assist with the distribution of these funds. The balance being used by the trustees to help young people enter sustainable farming, sustainable fishing and water management.  
 
Full details of how your charity shop is performing and how to apply for funding is posted monthly on our website and published quarterly in the Focus. For information about future events and regular news either sign up to our e-mail notification or visit the South Woodham Ferrers Facebook page.
 
Fortunately, with very little coercion, an extremely talented group of individuals have agreed to help manage this project but any extra support from the community would be most gratefully received, either in the form of donating unwanted items, as a customer, or as a helper. To contact the foundation you can telephone us on 07434 830379 or e-mail foundation@mistergees.co.uk or just call into the shop.

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Lastly, this website has been constructed, is hosted and supported by Mister Gees Limited & Mister Gees (Property Services) Limited at no cost to the foundation.

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