‘Vile’ letter sparks worldwide support for Sheffield charity shop

An anonymous ‘villa’ letter expressing hope that a local charity shop will close has generated global support after it was shared online,

Kreate, a homewares store in Sheffield, was set up to provide work experience for adults with learning difficulties.

But a letter calling for the store to fail had the opposite effect after it was posted on Facebook by store manager Ruth Denton – and went viral.

“We’ve had a lot of people say they’re going to visit now,” she said.

The error-strewn letter, posted on the store on Saturday and claiming to be from neighborhood locals, said the store was not welcome in the area.

“We try not to encourage charity shops in the area or shops selling Blackpool-style trinkets,” the letter to the “owner” reads.

“Lots of businesses (sic) needed by communities (sic) have failed and I hope yours have too.

“Another fashionable Tak (sic) painted in grey, soon it will be the countdown for you. The shutters will be permanently (sic) down,” the anonymous missive stated.

The letter was signed ‘Residents Unite (Bocking Lane)’.

After a photo of the letter was posted on Facebook by Ms Denton, it was shared hundreds of times, leading to support from as far afield as the US.

One person described the letter as a “villa”; another said it was “ironic that their ridiculous grade gave you amazing publicity and awareness.”

“I was upset because we poured our hearts and souls into this and we’re not just a home and gift shop, we’re more than that,” Ms Denton said.

Part of the charity Work Ltd, Kreate – in Hutcliffe Wood Road in Beauchief, provides supported retail experience for people with learning difficulties, teaching them how to carry out tasks such as using a house, stocking a shelf and packing items for sale.

The store began trading in November, with students set to begin training later this month.

Ms Denton said the letter left her feeling “shocked” and “disheartened” but described the response to her social media post as “absolutely unbelievable”.

“I had so much positivity,” she said.

“We’ve had messages from people asking if they can buy online so they can support us – they live in the US! It’s absolutely incredible.”

Ms Denton hopes the unpleasant episode will encourage those who saw the letter online to follow through on their stated intention to visit the store.

“It will make such a difference to us,” she said.