A campaign to recruit more charity shop volunteers has been hailed an “outstanding success” after inspiring more than 100 newcomers. East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) launched its fortnight-long ‘Be the difference’ initiative on 10th October to source extra help in its 44 stores. Posters were put on display and there was widespread local press coverage across the region, including features on existing volunteers. As a result, 104 new volunteers stepped forward and that tally consisted of 36 in Norfolk, 26 in North Essex, 20 in Suffolk, 16 in Cambridgeshire and six in EACH’s Royston shop, just across the Hertfordshire border. Hannah Milbourne, Volunteer Services and Development Manager, was thrilled with the outcome but stressed that extra help is always needed. “Our campaign was an outstanding success and we were delighted to welcome so many newcomers to the team,” she said. “Others are still coming forward, since we put these figures together, so it’s been a real victory. “As we said at the time, volunteers have an absolutely crucial role to play. “They make such a difference and, quite simply, we wouldn’t be able to run our shops – and therefore go on to provide the care that we do to families – without them.” Particular triumphs included 15 new volunteers offering to lend a hand in Dovercourt and ten in EACH’s shop in Felixstowe Road, Ipswich. Other individual successes included seven in Clacton, where EACH has a popular furniture showroom, and five apiece in Attleborough, Aylsham Road, in Norwich, Cherry Hinton Road, in Cambridge, Unthank Road, in Norwich, and Whittlesey. Four new volunteers came forward in Cromer and Wymondham, joining the family of more than 1,000 Retail volunteers across East Anglia. “While delighted with the campaign, as ever, we always need more help,” added Hannah. “We’d be very pleased to hear from anyone interested in joining our team and, while we’d obviously love people to offer a regular slot, just a morning or afternoon makes the world of difference, particularly during the festive season. “We have shops across the region, in the heart of the community, and there are various roles available, from serving customers to sorting and organising donations and listing eBay items. “The hours are completely flexible, to fit in with busy lives, and a friendly welcome is assured. “We’re often a bit thin on the ground at this time of year as people understandably have more commitments in the build-up to Christmas. “We’d love to hear from anyone interested in helping out, even if it’s just a short-term arrangement like students being home on their university holiday.” EACH, which supports families and cares for children and young people with life-threatening conditions, relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income. This year alone it needs to raise £6.5 million from its Retail operation, which includes stores across the region in addition to a busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. On average, its shops take £100,000 per week which and the team recently celebrated a record-breaking week, taking £136,434. For more information, speak to a member of staff in-store or contact volunteer services on 01223 205183. Alternatively, email [email protected] There are other ways to support EACH, including helping its facilities, events, fundraising and administration teams, or being part of the charity’s Help at Home service. Image credits EACH
