A long-serving East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) volunteer says she finds it “fun, exciting and rewarding” raising funds via the charity’s eBay operation.
Nicki Kelf helps out every Thursday and lists items at the charity’s popular Bowthorpe shop.
The 51-year-old has been volunteering for six years and loves the challenge of cherry-picking items that raise vital funds.
She would recommend it to anyone – both for personal satisfaction and in terms of supporting such a worthy cause.
“I can honestly say I’ve never looked back,” said the mum-of-two, who lives in Norwich.
“I don’t regret it for a minute and love helping out by listing things on eBay.
“I enjoy seeing how much we can raise, and it’s great when we have something unique or quirky to sell.
“One highlight that springs to mind was when someone donated a job-lot of DJ equipment. Amazingly, it sold for hundreds of pounds.
“I see it as a challenge and find it exciting and motivating, always keeping a close eye on things I’ve listed.
“I’ve been using eBay for years, so hopefully have an eye for the kind of things that make money.”
Nicki loves being part of the EACH team and has been to the charity’s Norfolk hospice, The Nook, twice.
“Hospices are wonderful places, and I know how much amazing work goes on in them,” she said.
“They do so much for families, and the level of care and support is second to none.
“Whether it’s a children’s hospice or an adult one, I think they’re incredible and so badly underfunded by the government. That’s another reason I like to help.”
More volunteers are always welcome to join the team at Bowthorpe.
As well as listing items on eBay, there are a range of other roles, including sorting and organising the shop’s book section and serving customers on the till.
Sparing a morning or afternoon a week can make a huge difference.
“Volunteering is an important part of my life, and it’s something I’ve always done, ever since helping out in a vets’ practice when I was 13,” added Nicki.
“I enjoy giving something back and like helping people.
“Without hesitation, I’d recommend volunteering to anyone and think they’d get lots from it.
“We work hard for an incredibly good cause, and it’s lovely doing your bit to help.
“However, we also have lots of fun. It’s a welcoming environment and everyone’s supportive, on hand to help each other.
“We socialise together, and I’ve made some lovely friends.”
To find out more about volunteering in Bowthorpe, pop into the shop for a chat, email manager Michelle Hinton via Michelle.Hinton@each.org.uk or ring 01603 732874.