The story behind a global charity with humble beginnings
Every year our organisation continues to grow and provide more opportunity to bring Hope, Help and Healing to people who are living in situations of desperate need.
In 1994, in the village of Richhill, Ronnie Dawson saw the need to change the story of the young people there- among whom drug and alcohol abuse was common place. They found a space in the village to use as a drop inn centre which came attached with a chip shop.
Drop Inn began as a "drop-in" youth centre with a chip shop.
Not long after, the Chernobyl disaster happened. On hearing the news break, Ronnie knew he had to do something. He filled a lorry with supplies and drove across Europe to get the much-needed aid to the people most affected by the catastrophe.
This became a yearly trip and soon Drop Inn was overwhelmed with donated supplies some of which could not be sent due to border restrictions.
With the surplus goods, Ronnie’s mother came up with the idea of opening thrift store to help pay the fuel for the trip.
Today, the shops number around 30 across Northern Ireland; three in Ireland; two in the Isle of Man; two in Iowa, USA and three Tin House Coffee shops in Armagh, Newry and Portadown.
These shops and their hard working staff provide the funds Drop Inn requires to bring hope help and healing to over 20 countries.