From the moment of stepping out, MADM has grown from operations in a bicycle shed that stored clothes for the Maidstone Churches’ Winter Shelter, to taking on the massive former Argos building in the High Street in November 2021!
The journey from the bicycle shed involved a garage on Shepway
estate, then another garage, to stalls in the Mall, two pop up charity shops at
the United Reformed Church shop and then sharing an office space with the
Princess Project and Empower a Woman.
The shop at 49 Church Street was our first permanent charity
shop and office, followed by a second shop in the Mall, and these were all
consolidated last year into the old Argos building in High Street where the
retail operations and storage facilities came together.
All these things have happened organically as we were lead by
the Lord a step at a time and he has been faithful to provide as we have
followed Him.
Enjoy a pictoral history of the charity's growth.
Starting out
We started out promoting our services at events in Maidstone.
Maidstone River Festival stand 2023
We regularly attend community events to promote our work, to support the initiatives of others and to fundraise for the charity.
High Street charity shop is launched
In October 2021 we brought together our smaller shops into the old Argos building in the High Street - a huge achievement in our charity's history.
Charity shop launch
The Mayor of Maidstone opened our shop, along with a number of volunteers, staff and supporters, to enjoy the proud moment.
A pilot recycling project launches with Kent County Council
We were invited by Kent County Council to collect furniture that was saved from disposal at the Tovil Household Waste Recycling Centre in 2022. As soon as the Allington site opened, MADM was offered the opportunity to collect from there as well. The partnership has been a real blessing to us and has saved inumerable pieces of furniture from being disposed of.
Living Word Christian bookshop and venue
We launched a preloved Christian bookshop in January 2023 which offers cost-effective books but is also used as a warm space, and a venue for small groups.
Chief Constable's Certificate
MADM was recognised for its work in the community, one of a number of awards the charity has received.
Kent Volunteering Awards Winner 2021
The charity's founder, Amanda Sidwell, won the 2021 award for the county of Kent.
