Published on: Friday 06 Jan 2017 at 16:49
Hospice calls on supporters to volunteer in one of eight charity shops
St Clare Hospice is supported in caring for local people with life-limiting illnesses by over 500 dedicated volunteers, with more than 250 of those kind-hearted individuals supporting our eight charity shops. Our charity shops help to raise a combined total of more than £380,000 each year – a vital contribution towards our running costs.
As part of a New Year campaign, we are calling on our local supporters across West Essex to support us in 2017 by signing up to join our ranks of shop volunteers. Our shop volunteer recruitment campaign aims to recruit another 50 retail volunteers across our eight shops, each signing up to give a regular weekly shift.
Fiona Eaton, St Clare Head of Retail, said: “Our volunteers in the St Clare shops really are the lifeblood of the Retail Team. Without their dedicated commitment to volunteering as cashiers, sorters and customer service assistants, we simply could not operate. Although we have a fantastic number of volunteers we are always in need of more people to join us. As our shops grow and donations increase, we are in ever greater need of new people of join our teams.”
Commenting on the benefits of volunteering in a St Clare charity shop, Fiona Eaton said: “Volunteering in a St Clare charity shop does more good than you might imagine – for the volunteer themselves, as well as the hospice. Scientific studies have shown that volunteering has a whole range of health benefits – lowering blood pressure, reducing stress and boosting happiness. So volunteering really does make you feel good, when you do good!”
Fiona Eaton continued: “Volunteering in a charity shop is also a great way to gain experience and new skills in a retail environment. We are able to offer Duke of Edinburgh placements to students looking for a volunteering opportunity, and it is also a great way for people to enhance their CV and gain vital on-the-job experience.”
Aimee McKay, the Shop Manager of the Great Dunmow St Clare charity shop, said: “We are currently seeking new volunteers to join our team in the Dunmow shop. Whether you are recently retired and are looking for a worthwhile way to keep busy, or have a few spare hours while your children are at school, we would love to hear from you. Could you give a shift?”
Aimee McKay continued: “The team at the Dunmow shop is such a close-knit group and we really support each other. Volunteering in a St Clare charity shop is a great way to make friends and gain new skills, or put current skills to good use! What better way to spend your spare time than by helping your local Hospice continue to provide its compassionate care – which is available for free to all the people of Great Dunmow.”
To find out about volunteering in one of our eight St Clare Hospice shops, click here or call the Retail Team on 01279 773732