Rainbow Wishes founders in Eastbourne are hailed ‘lockdown legends’ with new community project

Rainbow Wishes, a new community interest company born out of lockdown, has opened a new store in The Enterprise Centre.
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Rainbow Wishes was founded by Tracie Owen and Jo Valler-Clark.

Tracie started a Box Full of Rainbows during lockdown by creating care packages for NHS staff. It quickly took off and before long she had boxed up thousands of packages for key workers and had raised tens of thousands of pounds.

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The aim of the new community interest company – Rainbow Wishes - is to support local community organisations by raising funds or products and providing volunteers where needed.

The new store opened in the Enterprise Centre on Saturday September 19 and was attended by Eastbourne mayor Steve Wallis, who has previously supported Tracie in her venture through his Kick Out Covid Fund.

Tracie explained what people might find in the new store. She said: “We will have a range of new and used items which will help raise funds for our Rainbow Wishes journey.

“We will also have lots of local businesses displaying their items in store.

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“The unit will provide a link between community groups/initiatives and members of the public, provide new and used items at affordable prices allowing small sellers the opportunity to grow their businesses and experience sales in a retail environment whilst providing important funds for Rainbow Wishes.

“We shall be helping to provide volunteers where needed and create a link between organisations serving people in need.

“There will also be a number of collection/recycling points for example used ink cartridges and the foodbank.

“All profits raised will be used to support the community and families suffering extreme events.”

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Eastbourne MP Caroline Ansell also attended the opening event and described Tracie and Jo as a ‘dynamic duo’ and ‘lockdown legends’.

Pop in to see the Rainbow Wishes team at the new store, find them on Facebook or visit www.rainbowwishes.co.uk to donate, volunteer or find out more. You can also email the team at [email protected]