New Manager Hired for Homelessness Charity in Dumfries and Galloway
SHAX, a well-established homeless support charity in Dumfries and Galloway, has recently appointed Colin Callander-Bone as its new chief. Colin, with a robust background in retail and people management, has taken over the position from Joyce Harkness, who retired after a decade as the social enterprise manager at SHAX on September 30, 2024.
Prior to joining SHAX, Colin worked at Tesco Extra Dumfries for 12 years, where he served as the home shopping manager. During his tenure, he witnessed significant growth in the operation, with the number of delivery vans increasing from nine to 19 daily. This expansion enabled the department to cover all Dumfries and Galloway postcodes, with the team expanding from 70 colleagues to over 170 during the COVID crisis.
Colin’s career journey began at Gateways on the Isle of Wight as a part-time shelf filler at the age of 16. He then progressed to various management roles in retailers across the country, culminating in his role as a Lead manager at Safeways in London. Subsequently, he held positions at Sainsbury’s in Hertfordshire before transitioning to Tesco Dumfries.
Colin’s involvement in volunteering at a local charity over the past three years has inspired him to pursue opportunities that contribute to the community. Joining SHAX aligns with his ambition to make a meaningful difference and support those in need.
SHAX, established in 2012 and situated at The Crichton in Dumfries, provides essential support to individuals and families experiencing crisis due to poverty and homelessness in Dumfries and Galloway. The charity also offers Emergency Starter Packs containing home essentials for those in temporary accommodation or facing homelessness.
Financed largely through the sale of second-hand furniture, household items, and clothing, SHAX relies on donations and volunteer support to sustain its operations. As a social enterprise, all profits generated are reinvested to maintain services for the local community.
With Colin at the helm, SHAX aims to continue its vital support for the community and provide employment, volunteering, and work experience opportunities. Securing funding, enhancing awareness, fostering relationships, maximizing sales, and advocating for environmental sustainability are key objectives for Colin and his team as they prepare for the future.
Speaking about his new role, Colin stated, “I am committed to ensuring SHAX remains a pillar of support for those in need while offering valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth. Collaborating with our stakeholders and supporters will be crucial in driving our mission forward, especially during these challenging times.”
Chair of SHAX, Ian Callander, expressed his enthusiasm for welcoming Colin to the organization and highlighted the challenges and opportunities ahead. Leveraging Colin’s extensive expertise, the board aims to overcome obstacles and achieve success while upholding SHAX’s core values and aspirations.