A dedicated charity shop volunteer says making the decision to lend a hand has “exceeded all expectations” and become an integral part of her life.
Hard-working Norah Butcher spares her time to help in the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in North Street, Sudbury.
The 70-year-old has been volunteering for three years and first got involved shortly after retiring, determined to do something positive to help a worthy cause.
EACH was always at the forefront of her mind and she says her decision to get involved has paid off in spades – giving her something that is both fun and rewarding.
Norah is sharing her story as part of a fortnight-long volunteer recruitment campaign running specifically in the Sudbury shop.
The goal is to encourage extra pairs of hands, to generate funds to help EACH continue its vital work supporting families across East Anglia.
“I didn’t have any retail experience, so didn’t know if it was going to be for me,” said Norah, who is married to Jim and lives in Great Cornard.
“I knew I wanted to do something to support the charity, but there were no guarantees I’d like helping in the shop.
“As it turns out, I absolutely love it and have enjoyed it more than I ever thought possible.
“It’s been even better than I hoped and exceeded all expectations.
“It’s lovely doing something positive for EACH, but I also see it as something fun and rewarding for myself.
“It’s something I look forward to as it gives me routine and makes me feel part of a very special, sociable community.”
Norah says there are volunteering roles to suit all tastes, and her favourite job is pricing items.
“Everyone’s so friendly, and it’s busy without being overwhelming,” she said.
“There’s no chance of getting bored, which I love, and people can choose what they want to do.
“There’s a host of different jobs, and that makes it so appealing. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone.”
EACH has a fast-growing retail operation, and there are various opportunities to suit people’s skills and interests, from serving customers to sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical equipment and listing items on eBay.
To find out more about volunteering for EACH in Sudbury, pop in for a chat, call 01787 379132 or email Shop Manager Bev Williams via Bev.Williams@each.org.uk
