A charity shop in Stonehaven celebrates an outstanding achievement — over one million pounds in donations. When the first Stonehaven Churches charity shop opened on November 13, 1993, many thought it would last only as long as it took people to empty their lofts. But 30 years later, Far & Wide is thriving, having donated £1,021,647.44 to projects worldwide.
A Journey of Faith: How Far & Wide Began
The story of Far & Wide began with what Barbara Maclean calls “a prompting by God.”
At a Spring Harvest Festival in Ayr, Barbara was moved by a speaker calling people to mission. When those still seated were invited to support missionaries, she unexpectedly found herself on her feet.
Then on a weekend in Yarm, she noticed charity shops — they were not as popular back in the day. An idea took shape: "What if a shop could fund missionaries?"
Her husband, Alistair, urged her to speak to their minister that very Sunday. Though hesitant, she found him standing alone — an unusual sight. Taking it as confirmation, she shared her vision, setting in motion the journey that became Far & Wide.
After committee meetings, planning and conversations, a small space was rented, and the shop was up and running. Interest quickly grew beyond its founding members, with volunteers from various churches signing up to help. Seeing their enthusiasm, Barbara suggested expanding the committee to include these dedicated individuals, believing that "they had the heart for it."
Five years later, the shop outgrew its original location and moved into a larger space. More recently, it secured a grant to rent a storage facility, allowing for better sorting and organisation of donated items.
Barbara credits this grassroots approach for the shop’s success. "There has been real interest in the shop. Volunteers signed up from the Baptist church, the Catholic church and the Episcopal church — people who had a real passion for this work. That’s how the committee was formed."
Today, 40 volunteers work on rotation to keep the shop running. They transport and sort donations, return items to the shop, manage displays, work the till, and steam clothes — ensuring everything is ready for sale.
Not only has the shop endured, but it has thrived, continuously growing in its capacity to support charities worldwide.
Ask and It Shall Be Given to You: A Story of Provision
Over the years, Barbara has witnessed a few miracles in her shop. But none quite like this one.
One day, a social worker called with a request. A family she had been working with was about to move into a new — and completely empty — flat. And the social worker said that the family could use a three-piece suite in brown leather.
"In brown leather? That’s specific," Barbara thought, knowing that the shop mostly dealt with clothing, books, and other small items. Still, she smiled to herself, "Well, you never know."
Not even an hour later, Tom Scott from Blythswood Care — one of Far & Wide’s partner organisations — pulled up in his van. Calling Barbara outside, he opened the back doors to reveal a three-piece suite. In brown leather.
You never know, indeed.
Tom arranged a time to return for the delivery and went on his way. Barbara went home for lunch, and — unusually — Alistair decided to accompany her.
Back at the shop, as they waited for Tom’s return, the social worker called again. This time, she confirmed the location details but added, almost as an afterthought, "I know you’re bringing the furniture today, but they really need a carpet too."
Barbara just smiled. "Well, you never know."
Moments later, Tom turned up — with a roll of carpet in his van.
But the miracles didn’t stop there.
When they arrived at the flat, the family asked if they could help fit the carpet. That wasn’t something they ever did. But with both Tom and Alistair there, they managed to roll it out. Astonishingly, the carpet was a perfect fit for the living room. The brown leather suite followed, filling the empty space with warmth and comfort.
"Sometimes, you just have to say it out loud," Barbara reflects. "And then—you never know."
Far & Wide’s Impact: Changing Lives Around the World
Money earned by and donated to the Far & Wide shop supports a multitude of projects worldwide.
After the war in Bosnia, the charity provided funds to help refugees move out of railway carriages and build their own houses. Soon after, additional funds were sent to purchase a polytunnel for growing vegetables to support the village. Far & Wide also played a key role in establishing a bakery and a sewing machine workshop.
The charity shop contributed to the construction of a new clinic in Rwanda, purchased tools for a fish farm in Cameroon, funded cleft palate operations on the Mercy Hospital Ship, and provided resources for eye operations for refugees along the Burmese border.
Through God's provision, Far & Wide has supported feeding programmes for orphans in Africa and for teenagers living on the streets in Siberia, where temperatures can drop to minus 40 degrees. Men have been sent to rehabilitation at Teen Challenge, women to Benaiah and Hope House, and teenagers with eating disorders to Mercy Ministries.
The charity gave Bibles to Ukraine, prisoners in Spain and to prison fellowship. They funded solar panels in Africa and smoke hoods in Nepal and helped send and pack a 20ft container to Lake Victoria with aid. Over the years monetary donations to Christian projects have been sent to more than 60 different countries far and wide.
Bear Necessities for Bulgaria
One of Far & Wide’s recent donations went to Bear Necessities, also a grassroots project grown out of a holiday visit to Bulgaria. It began in 2009 when Christina visited Orizari and was struck by the poverty she encountered. The following year, she returned with her friend Cathey, eager to share the experience. Together, they founded Bear Necessities. Louise joined them later.
Fourteen years later, their work has grown into a thriving community, providing children with winter shoes and clothing, homework support, and hot meals. The charity also operates a medical clinic. For Christina, Cathey and Louise, it was a journey of faith renewal and growth.
Barbara recalls their joy when they heard that Far & Wide was donating £5,000 toward a full roof replacement for the building the charity acquired in 2014. The property functions as a social kitchen centre, offering the legendary soup that has been a staple since the very beginning — but now, it needs a new roof.
Inspired by Bear Necessities, "Build My Church" is a project currently supported by The Guild. It aims to establish a Christian church and social centre in the Bulgarka residential district of Sliven, Bulgaria.
A Community Effort
The people of Stonehaven and the surrounding area generously donate their pre-loved clothes, toys, books, bric-a-brac, and furniture. These items are sold in the shop to others who can use them, generating funds to support missionaries at home and abroad, as well as other Christian and social needs projects. Items that cannot be sold in the shop are passed on to Blythswood, a Scottish humanitarian aid charity dedicated to transforming lives through education, community action, and gospel activities.
From the shop in Stonehaven, essential food and donations are also collected for the local foodbank. Those wishing to contribute non-perishable food items can bring donations to the shop any Friday morning. Food collections are also gathered during Sunday church services. Weekly monetary donations enable the foodbank to provide the items which are not donated. All food items are distributed to local individuals in need, who are referred by social services, medical professionals, schools, and other organisations.
As Far & Wide continues its mission, the shop remains a testament to faith, community, and generosity. What began as a simple prompting has grown into a force for good — both locally and globally.
The shop helped bind up the broken hearted and set the captives free, healed the sick, recovered sight to the blind, fed the hungry and clothed those in need.
The impact of everyone’s efforts has been incredible, and it’s a testament to the power of generosity. As the Bible says, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’
In the picture from left to right: Aileen Pyper, Rachael Wood, Barbara Maclean (the manager), Linda Adams.