Kind-hearted Center Parcs colleagues rolled up their sleeves for a day of volunteering at East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices’ (EACH) Retail Distribution Centre (RDC), in Thetford.
Village Director Richie Williams was joined by Nick Oot, Chris Bayliss, Maria Howe Li Rocchi, Emma Saberi, Emma Hall, Brianna Woodvine, Louise Cowen and Keilan Davis for an action-packed day at the charity’s busy hub in Brunel Way.
Between them, they helped on three separate van runs and spent time in EACH’s fast-growing online Book Shop. Two others spent the day with the ecommerce team at nearby Lime Kiln Lane.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the team from Center Parcs for giving up their time to support us,” said Stephen Ball, EACH’s Warehouse Operations and Supply Chain Manager.
“Having nine extra pairs of hands made a huge difference to our operation, and their energy, enthusiasm and willingness to get stuck in was fantastic.
“Everyone seemed to enjoy their day, and they expressed a desire to come back and help again.
“Hopefully this can be the start of a long and important relationship, because support of this nature helps us continue providing vital services for children and families across the region. We can’t thank them enough.”
Three colleagues went out on van runs, with one visiting EACH’s shops in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket, as well as Methwold Auction House. Another went to Beccles and Long Stratton, while a third visited Dereham, Fakenham and Holt.
Four more helped in The Online Book Shop, while two supported the ecommerce team at nearby Lime Kiln Lane.
“At Center Parcs, our purpose is ‘we build better worlds’, and we had such a wonderful opportunity to do that with our charity partner, EACH,” said Richie.
“We are committed to supporting our local community and are excited to see how the support and volunteering can evolve.
“The team at EACH were so friendly and welcoming, and it was a great insight into how passionate they are and how much of a difference they make.”
The RDC is EACH’s main retail hub, where donations are sorted and processed before being distributed to shops across East Anglia.
More volunteers are always needed. To find out more about the opportunities available, email Stephen via Stephen.Ball@each.org.uk.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH
