THE former manager of the YMCA store in Bordon has criticised the charity for suddenly closing the shop – and called it an “uncharitable” decision driven by “greed”.

Rachael Bixley, who re-opened the shop in September following a period of closure, claims business was going well.

But on November 29 she was made redundant and the store was closed with immediate effect – something she says came completely out of the blue.

“I’m just absolutely devastated,” she said.

However, according to the YMCA, the decision was made as the store had been “struggling for a while”.

Having been working on recruiting volunteers, just three months into her employment, Ms Bixely said it was “just bizarre” to shut up shop.

“I feel my customers, volunteers and the local community have all been let down and deserve an explanation,” she said.

“On November 29 I was suddenly made redundant as manager of a local charity shop within the Forest Centre with immediate effect and no prior warning. This was witnessed by one of my trusted volunteers.

“For the past three months I have been trying to re-establish the shop, which had previously been closed all year.

“This included shop layout, displays, promoting the shop’s profile, recruiting local volunteers, donations and 21 gift aiders.

“This, in turn, created regeneration within the Forest Centre and local community.

“The ten volunteers I recruited had a renewed sense of self-worth and enjoyed working in the shop.

“I went above and beyond for the YMCA, determined to make the shop a success.”

However, she said throughout she had received “little support” and found the timing especially galling.

It came just after she had completed the Christmas window, which was praised and photographed by senior charity staff.

This suggests, she said, the decision was impulsive.

“I am at a loss as to why the shop closed just before Christmas, since it was brimming with festive stock and donations,” she added.

“I have recently moved to the local area, being a single mum of three children.

“I find the YMCA have been not only greedy but also uncharitable.”

The charity said things hadn’t picked up enough to justify keeping the store open.

“We’re sad to confirm we had to close the YMCA Bordon charity shop last week,” said a spokesman.

“Despite our efforts to recruit volunteers to staff and help run the shop, it was struggling for a while.

“Raising funds for the much-needed work local YMCA’s deliver across communities in England and Wales has always been our first priority.

“Unfortunately, the Bordon shop was unable to sustain itself as the running of the shop was costing more than we were able to take in through sales.”

This, however, was not the case, according to Ms Bixely, who suggested if anyone could be blamed for mismanagement, it was the charity itself.

“I don’t agree they were struggling. I believe technology has cost too much – just last month we had brand new iPads installed, what for is beyond me,” she added.

“My wages were £1,200 per month and we took approximately £4,000 to £4,500 per month. I believe they have just allowed greed to take charge.

“Is this really how a charity organisation is run?”

The YMCA is the largest and oldest youth charity in the world. It was set up in England in 1844 by Sir George Williams and now operates in 119 countries across the world, each with a national council.

The charity provides emergency accommodation, supported living, family services, training and education, support and advice to the young and much more.

Ms Bixley added:“I would like to thank all my customers and volunteers for their valued support.”

* Visit ymca.org.uk to learn more about the work of the charity.