A volunteer 70-strong human chain enabled a remarkably quick store relocation for Cardiff-based wholefood retailer Iechyd Da, earlier this month. 

Store owner Alwen Lewis took up a suggestion from Health Stores UK to put out an appeal on social media for volunteers to help the businesses move 200 boxes of stock a few hundred metres along the city’s Merthyr Road, to its new, bigger premises. 

Lewis says she was stunned by the turnout on the day. She told WalesOnline that she was “overwhelmed with the kindness and support” she received from customers and local volunteers. 

Around 70 volunteers formed a human chain, passing a total of 258 boxes between them in just one hour. Even better, the removal had a zero carbon footprint! Posting on LinkedIn, Lewis said: “ I Can’t believe how lucky we are to have such an incredible community supporting us”. 

Lewis opened the first unit five years ago. The new strongly eco-themed store features an expanded refill offer and a new giftware and household section, as well as popular health store staples. 

Images: Alwen Lewis/Iechyd Da, via social media