Caithness Highland Hospice shops' volunteer plea
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Highland Hospice’s charity shops in Wick and Thurso require volunteers to join their teams due to a shortage brought on by the effects of Covid-19.
Hannah Hollywood, manager of the Wick shop, explains: “We are a lively and busy shop, and are well supported with donations from the public. Unfortunately since reopening after lockdown, some of our volunteers have been unable to return as they are vulnerable or shielding.
“The result of this is that we are unable to reach our full potential – for example, we remain shut every Monday as we don’t have enough volunteers to help out.”
Neve Bremner has volunteered in the shop for the past eight years, following her retirement, and thoroughly enjoys her role.
She said: “I look forward to coming into the shop every Tuesday as it’s a lovely opportunity to get to know and meet people. The work is varied and interesting – I do everything from sorting through donations, pricing and tagging, working the till, looking after customers on the shop floor and steaming the clothes. People don’t realise that it takes a lot of volunteers to make a shop like this work."
She added: “Since Hannah has changed the layout of the shop, it’s become such a bright and lovely place to work – it really does have a boutique feel to it.”
Hannah said: “Volunteering provides a great opportunity to learn new skills and full training is given. People can get involved in whichever areas appeal, including pricing and stock flow for clothes, books, DVDs and bric-a-brac.
"The role would suit anyone who is looking for a social opportunity, or is perhaps interested in fashion, photography or social media. We always like to create and photograph interesting displays and I have created an Instagram page which showcases the latest bargains we have in store.
“If you are interested at all, please pop in for a chat and I can explain a bit more about what is involved. My colleague Susan Imlach who manages the Thurso shop is in the same position and would love to recruit some more volunteers there, if that is more local to you.”
To apply to become a shop volunteer, please visit www.highlandhospice.org/volunteer or visit your local Hospice shop. Shifts are generally three hours long and can be morning or afternoon.
A little of your time each week could help Highland Hospice a lot, enabling its services to continue delivering across the Highlands.
Follow it on Facebook – Highland Hospice Shops , Instagram @hh_wick (Wick shop) or visit www.highlandhospice.org/retail
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