Celebration and Community Spirit in Cambridge

Above (from left): Shieldy, Denise Burrows, Midland Central Family Store area manager Glennis Mullan and Lieutenant Initi Tuiono.

After weeks of dedicated preparation, the refreshed and relocated Cambridge Family Store opened with a special celebration on Saturday 13th September. ‘Our new site on Queen Street is perfect,’ explains Jo McLaren, regional Family Store manager for Midland. ‘It’s clean, light and bright and has great access with parking available for donors at the back of the store.’  

The launch team included Denise Burrows, Cambridge Family Store assistant manager, the Cambridge volunteer team, Glennis Mullan, Midland Central Area Family Store manager, as well as regional team leaders from Matamata and Waihi. ‘It was a real team effort for the six weeks before opening,’ reflects Jo. ‘We’re so grateful to everyone who helped, especially family members who pitched in during evenings and weekends.’   

Jo describes the opening day as a blessing. A kaumatua blessed the site the day before, and Cambridge Corps Officer Lieutenant Initi Tuiono offered a blessing on the morning of the launch. The Hamilton City Corps brass band welcomed shoppers with music and even beloved mascot Shieldy made an appearance.  

‘Our store is a connection point in our community,’ shares Jo. ‘We know that the shield brings hope and that’s why we do what we do.’ With several hundred shoppers through the store on opening day, the Cambridge Family Store is off to a thriving start. The store’s new extended hours are Monday to Saturday 9am – 5pm.