A pop-up shop to support families in Gaza has opened in Ashburton today (August 13) after a successful six weeks in Totnes.

The Palestine Solidarity Shop, located in the former Rafiki’s premises on West Street, sells original arts, crafts, cards and books.

The shop is run by Rachel Jennings and her daughters Isabel and Marika Keen. Many of the arts and crafts being sold in the shop have been created by Rachel and her daughters. Isabel is a talented illustrator who works under the name Billy Ruffian.

Additional works have also been donated by artist friends and members of the public.

The first pop up Palestine Solidarity Shop opened in the Albatross on Totnes High Street at the beginning of July and raised more than £1,300 over its 4-week tenure to help families in Gaza through the Coffees for Gaza initiative.

The idea for the shop came from Isabel, who was involved in setting up Coffees for Gaza and is currently the organisation’s treasurer. ‘She was working in The Bull Inn across the road and came up with the idea for a pop-up fundraising shop and asked if she could use the space,’ Rachel said.

Coffees for Gaza collects donations to help families in Gaza to evacuate, rebuild or afford basic necessities. The initiative distributes funds directly to the families that need them. The people that run Coffees for Gaza ‘personally know the 25 families receiving funding,’ Rachel explained.

The Palestine Solidarity Ashburton pop-up is open from 11am-4pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays until the end of August and Rachel and her daughters hope to relocate to another town for September.

Rachel is keen to speak to anyone who may be able to offer space for the next pop-up. She is also happy to hear from anyone with donations or to speak to anyone who may have seen an item they want to buy but can’t get to the shop when it’s open. Rachel can be contacted on 07906 618933.