A kind-hearted teenager has swapped Californian sunshine for the Norfolk coast – showing her community spirit by volunteering at the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shop in Cromer.
Olive Cosgrove-Lynch, 16, who lives in the suburbs of Los Angeles, arrived in England at the start of June and soon began helping at the Tucker Street store.
Although based in the United States, Olive has strong ties to Norfolk.
Her mum owns a house in Cromer and she has been visiting since she was a baby. Olive also attended Overstrand Primary School and Cromer Junior School during previous extended stays in England.
“I really like it here,” she said.
“The people are so friendly, and I love walking around the town. It’s a beautiful area.
“I’m a long way from home but really appreciating the experience.
“I’m also loving the nature and wildlife here in Norfolk – it’s a very different landscape to the semi-desert I’m used to in California.
“I love being near the sea and exploring the forests and Norfolk Broads. It’s stunning.”
Within a fortnight of returning to Cromer, Olive had made the decision to volunteer in the town’s EACH shop.
She has no fixed hours, arranging her next shift at the end of each day she works, and plans to continue helping throughout the summer before returning to America.
“I love thrifting and would often pop into the shop during previous visits,” she said.
“I love everyone here and have already spent lots of time serving customers on the till and helping out the back.
“It’s been a wonderful experience already and very educational. I’ve learnt lots of new things that I can hopefully take with me into future years.”
Olive’s Texas-born mum was married to an Englishman, helping forge the family’s long-standing connection with Norfolk.
She says giving something back to the community was one of the main reasons she decided to volunteer.
“I’ve always liked doing things to support my community,” she said.
“Helping people means a lot to me, and since I started here, I’ve been learning lots about EACH.
“It’s such a great cause and a very worthy one for me to support.
“Everyone has been delightful and I feel part of the team already.
“(Shop manager) Roxanne (Goff) has been amazing and really helped me settle in and feel welcome, which I appreciate.”
Roxanne said Olive had quickly become a valued member of the team.
“Olive is proving a wonderful addition,” she said.
“She’s such a bright, helpful and friendly person and always so enthusiastic.
“She’s brilliant with our customers and always willing to roll her sleeves up and get stuck in, doing a range of different tasks.
“Olive’s slotted in perfectly and built strong relationships already, and we feel very lucky to have her.”
Roxanne is keen to hear from more people interested in volunteering in her shop. To find out more, pop in for a chat or call 01263 801998.
