Popular Harborough town centre shop raises money to support frontline NHS staff

A well-known Market Harborough town centre shop has raised £600 to support frontline NHS staff.

Anand Shoes, which sits right at the heart of the town, is getting behind NHS Charities Together.

The 24-year-old High Street store has sold over 900 face coverings costing £6 each.

And Rajan Chavda, 23, and his dad Kailash Anand Chavda, 52, who run the business, are handing over 10 per cent of the money they make from them to back the NHS.

Rajan said: “My dad set up the shop here back in 1996 and we owe everything to the amazing people of Market Harborough.

“So we decided to give something back to our fantastic NHS workers who live and work locally, such as at St Luke’s Hospital.

“People here have responded brilliantly and the appeal’s really taken off.”

He said they started selling face coverings – which have become increasingly vital during the virus crisis – at the end of May.

“They are multi-coloured, they are bright and eye-catching and reusable.

“The masks have sold very well and proved so popular,” said Rajan, who lives in Market Harborough.

“We are donating 10 per cent from the sale of every face covering to support the NHS.

“We have topped that up to £600.

“We are genuinely pleased and proud as a small shop to have raised that amount of money.

“It’s the least we can do to say a huge thank you to the heroes of the NHS.

“They have been working flat out during the coronavirus pandemic to save lives and look after people.

“I envy our health service staff because I don’t think I could do their job.”

He said Anand Shoes – famous among shoppers and passers-by for the model of the now masked cobbler in the window – re-opened after the long lockdown on Monday June 1.

“The public response has overwhelmed us.

“As far as footfall is concerned we have been so busy,” said Rajan.

“We are repairing so many people’s shoes as well as selling footwear and even teddy bears and are also offering services such as key cutting.

“It’s so good to see Market Harborough coming together in these tough times.

“My dad’s been here a very long time and everyone knows him.

“It’s crucial that people continue to shop locally and support our outstanding independent shops and businesses.”

If you would like to find out more about Anand Shoes you can check them out here: https://anandshoes.weebly.com/