Norwood helps launch UK’s first interfaith shop at Selfridges

Norwood has teamed up with Islamic Relief and other religious charities to launch the country’s first interfaith charity shop in Selfridges, London.

The concept is the brainchild of American artist and film-maker Miranda July, and the third-floor shop will open to the public from today until 22 October.

Britain’s largest Jewish charity said it was “proud” to work alongside Islamic Relief, London Buddhist Centre and Spitalfields Crypt Trust, which funds services supporting people recovering from addiction.

The proceeds will be shared equally between the four partners, all of which run their own charity shops.

Norwood chairman David Ereira said the shop “promotes our common sense of charity and community”, adding: “Projects such as this are important to raise vital funds, but also to build social cohesion and bring people of different faiths together.”

He said the prospect of opening an interfaith charity shop in
the heart of London’s shopping district “sends a powerful message that religions can work together to be a force for good”.

The shop was commissioned by Artangel, which is funded by Arts Council England, and is the latest initiative of July, an author of two acclaimed books, who has a Jewish father and a Christian mother.