'One of the most rewarding new year's resolutions' - Severn Hospice calls for charity shop volunteers
A charity is calling on local people to make a meaningful resolution this year by joining its dedicated team of retail volunteers.
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As part of Severn Hospice’s new year volunteer drive, the charity, which has a network of 32 shops across the region, is inviting people to lend a hand in their local store.
Shoppers and supporters donating items to the shops together contribute more than £1.5 million towards the hospice’s care for people living with incurable illness.
Samantha Bragg, who is looking after the volunteer drive, said: “Our incredible volunteers are integral to the care we can provide local families because they keep our fantastic shops running smoothly.
“Whether you want to gain first-hand experience to enhance your CV or keen to meet new people, share your skills or give something back to the community, we have a range of flexible roles to suit everyone, no matter how much or little time you have.
“Joining us is one of the most rewarding resolutions you can make for the year ahead.”
The charity needs to raise £2 for every £3 it spends, making the role of volunteers more vital than ever.
Samantha added: “We are so grateful for the time and passion our fabulous volunteers give. Our shops do so much to support our caring services, and the commitment and enthusiasm of our volunteers working in them really does make an enormous difference.
“But it’s not just about what you can give us - we want to give back to every volunteer and make sure you have a rewarding and most enjoyable time in our welcoming and friendly shops.”
Volunteering opportunities range from serving customers, sorting donations, steaming clothes or stocking the shop through to helping test donated electrical goods and photographing and listing items on the hospice’s eBay store.
John Cullen, who has volunteered at the hospice’s furniture store in Shrewsbury since it opened nine years ago, shared his experience.
He said: “Severn Hospice is such a fabulous place to volunteer. When I retired, I wanted to keep busy and do something with a sense of purpose for a great local cause.
“There are so many ways to get involved and some are not the obvious roles that spring to mind. I have a keen interest in woodwork and furniture so helping to sort, repair and prepare donated furniture is the perfect match for me – and it’s even more rewarding knowing the funds raised help care for so many local families.
“We’re always looking for more helping hands in all our shops. We have so much fun and the sense of camaraderie here is amazing. If volunteering sounds right up your street, whatever your interest, I’d say give it a go!”
Anyone interested in joining the retail volunteer team can visit their local Severn Hospice shop, visit https://www.severnhospice.org.uk/join-us/volunteer/ or call 01743 236565 for more information.
