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Joe keeps Clonmany's heart beating
10.12.12
A SHOPKEEPER who sends emails and documents on
behalf of customers to their emigrant children has
won a community spirit award.
Joe Joyce has allowed his Centra store in Clonmany
to become a meeting place and resource for local
people - many of whom view it as their only source
of human contact in the week.
"The local shop is at the heart of many communities
in Ireland today. It’s where people come to shop but
for many it is also a main source of human contact,"
said Mr Joyce.
"We encourage people to spend time in our store and
chat to neighbours and staff. We are regularly asked
to scan and email documents to customers' children
now living abroad. It’s sad to have to do it but
it’s all part of our service," he added. |
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President of Convenience Stores and
Newsagents Association (CSNA), Jim Bird, presents
the 'Best Community Initiative' award to Joe Joyce
and Derek Murphy of Joyce’s Centra, Clonmany, Co
Donegal. |
Clonmany is an
emigration blackspot that has seen many of its young
people leave Ireland in recent years to find work.
Mr Joyce recently picked up the ‘Best Community
Initiative’ award at the C-Store Awards hosted by
retail industry magazine ShelfLife
The award recognised a number of his community
initiatives including a charity walk in aid of
Action Breast Cancer that raised over €800. Mr Joyce
who is also an RNLI volunteer, said he was delighted
with the win.
“The people of the locality, who have been
supporting us through the years, have enabled us to
become the store we are today. Being an integral
part of the community is of utmost importance to
us," he added. |
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