A case study from St David’s Hospice, as part of our #CharityShopVolunteersWales campaign in partnership with the Charity Retail Association
Having worked full-time for 35 years when I retired I found I had a lot of free time!
I had worked for a similar charity in Cheshire and experienced first-hand the wonderful care they give to patients all of which is provided free.
When I moved to North Wales, I felt I could offer the experience I had gained to St David’s Hospice.
I had previously worked in shop retail which I loved, having worked in an office all my working life. I had experience dressing the windows, serving and helping customers, putting new stock out, and sorting through donations, as well as tidying the shop.
Most importantly, I loved meeting new people, both other volunteers and members of the public.
As a new person moving to Wales, the experience of joining the shop has been invaluable & I have made many friends.
I also work at the Donation Centre sorting, hanging, sizing, steaming donations and helping with eBay items.
I really do feel that when you become a volunteer you are doing something that is so rewarding. St David’s Hospice have 500 volunteers and say they could not operate without them!
Please consider becoming a volunteer for this wonderful charity. They need you!
‘A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT, COMMUNITY AND BELONGING’
‘Our amazing retail volunteers have an essential role within our Hospice organisation and are much loved by our staff and customers alike,’ says volunteer coordinator Lou Barber.
‘They are always on hand for a friendly chat, a warm smile and any helpful advice our customers require.
‘We feel proud that so many residents of North Wales generously donate their time to help us and we hope they feel the sense of achievement, community and belonging that they so rightly deserve.’
#CHARITYSHOPVOLUNTEERSWALES
This week (from 12 October 2020) WCVA in partnership with the Charity Retail Association will be sharing the stories of charity shop volunteers in Wales. Keep an eye on WCVA’s website and social media (where we’ll be using #CharityShopVolunteersWales) to hear about a range of different experiences from individuals volunteering in charity shops.
Volunteering during the pandemic should only be done with due care and consideration for the wellbeing of volunteers, staff and customers. You’ll find safeguarding guidance on our Covid-19 guidance and resources page. For information about limitations or considerations for local lockdowns in wales visit: gov.wales/local-lockdown.