Volunteer Victoria Williams says she embraces the opportunity to help at four leading East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) shops.
The 56-year-old, who lived in Hong Kong before returning to Norfolk, is a Volunteer Duty Manager at the Holt and Fakenham stores while also lending a hand in Sheringham and Wroxham.
“Every shop has its own charm and personality, and they’re all special in their own unique way,” said Victoria.
“I first got involved during lockdown, after receiving an email to EACH donors.
“It spoke about lost earnings because of shops being shut during the pandemic and that really upset me, knowing The Nook had only just opened in 2019.
“I offered to come and help sort through donations that had built up during lockdown and ended up volunteering a couple of times a week in Holt. I wanted to do something to help.
“Five years on, I still absolutely adore it. I love being around other people, be it staff, fellow volunteers or customers.”
Victoria says one of the joys is spending time with different people in different shops, providing a ‘fascinating mixing pot’ of backgrounds, stories and experiences, all working towards the same aim.
“There are so many different jobs to do, and there really is something for everyone,” she said.
“You may be on the shop floor operating the till, or helping with display and merchandising, sorting donations in the stock room, evaluating items for potential sale on eBay or, my personal favourite, sorting through donated books.
“From my experience, the key to having happy volunteers and a happy shop is finding out what the volunteer is good at and what they like doing – then giving them freedom to run with it.
“I love being part of the team, spending time with other volunteers who bring a wealth of experience, confidence and skills.
“I particularly enjoy working with teenagers when they come in to volunteer, but it for work experience, volunteering or as part of their Duke of Edinburgh. They bring such spark and real value, and it’s lovely being able to help build their confidence and experience.”
Victoria is supporting EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a major recruitment drive taking place throughout May, encouraging extra volunteers to help in its 52 shops and Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford. One of the key aims is to highlight the correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
New volunteers are being encouraged to step up to the challenge and help change the lives of families receiving vital care and support.
“Some people like to come in for a couple of hours and then walk away at the end, knowing they’ve done their very best,” she added.
“Some use volunteering as a springboard to build up experience and go on to do something else.
“Others perhaps relish a bit more responsibility, and I’m one of those people. I started by sorting donations and working on the till, and helped with merchandising, which was a new skill for me. I was then trained to cash up and became a key holder.
“Five years on, I’m thoroughly enjoying my role as a Volunteer Duty Manager in the Holt, Fakenham and Sheringham shops, which involves managing the shop for the day and helping out in EACH’s new shop and café in Wroxham.
“One thing I’d say is there’s a role for everyone, and it doesn’t matter how much or little time you can contribute. At the end of the day, every hour counts.”
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email [email protected] or call 01223 205183 (option four).
