A charity shop volunteer says she feels more motivated than ever after seeing firsthand the difference her support makes to East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH).
Natalie Willett has been helping in EACH’s Huntingdon shop since the day it opened and recently joined fellow volunteers for a tour of the charity’s Cambridgeshire base, in Milton.
It meant she was able to see with her own eyes the difference funds make to the children and families receiving care and support.
“I’ve always found volunteering rewarding, but visiting Milton made me feel more inspired and motivated than ever,” said Natalie, who was speaking during EACH’s Care to Help campaign – a 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 direct correlation between volunteering hours and the care and support EACH provides.
“I found it quite challenging, from an emotional point of view, but it was very interesting, and I was able to see different parts of the hospice.
“It gave me more understanding of what children and families experience, and it’s an incredible place, set in beautiful grounds.
“I’m so glad I’ve been, and now, when I’m volunteering in the shop, it’s in my thoughts.
“It’s lovely that what I do contributes in some way, knowing the income we generate directly helps and makes a difference.”
Natalie, who runs her own make-up and beauty business, previously volunteered in a charity shop in St Neots, until it closed in 2018.
She was keen to find something else and loved the idea of supporting EACH.
She signed up and has become part of the fabric in Huntingdon, helping since the day it opened in September 2021.
“I was the first-ever volunteer here, and I’m proud of that,” said the 38-year-old, who comes in every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon and lives in St Neots.
“The new shop really appealed to me, and I loved the idea of supporting a children’s charity.
“Nearly four years on, it’s lived up to all expectations, and it’s a very friendly, helpful team.
“I particularly like serving customers and using the till, but there are so many other jobs to suit people’s skills and interests. It’s something I’d recommend to anyone, and my advice would be to go for it.”
EACH’s Care to Help campaign kicked off on Monday. New volunteers are being encouraged to step up to the challenge and help change the lives of families receiving vital care and support.
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).
For more information about volunteering in Huntingdon, pop in for a chat, email Manager Claire Parr via [email protected] or call 01480 597698.
