Volunteers have been hailed for the “unique, precious” lifeline support they provide a leading children’s charity.
Nearly 150 people attended the East Anglia’s Children’s Hospices (EACH) thank you day at Ipswich Town’s Sir Bobby Robson suite.
They met staff and heard updates, took part in a special music therapy activity and enjoyed a fun Antiques Roadshow game.
The volunteers help in various ways, including giving their time to support EACH’s care, facilities, fundraising and events teams. Many others help in one of the charity’s 14 Suffolk shops – soon to become 15, with one opening in Southwold on Thursday.
Among the guests was Director of Retail Ian Nicolson, who was speaking shortly before the launch of EACH’s new ‘Don’t pass by, give volunteering a try’ campaign.
The call-to-action, which began last Monday and runs for a fortnight, is an initiative to encourage more potential volunteers to put themselves forward and lend a hand in one of EACH’s shops across Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk, including its busy Retail Distribution Centre, in Thetford.
“Here at EACH, the expression ‘time is precious’ is a very valuable phrase,” said Ian.
“We help families create precious memories, when time is desperately short, and help families enjoy precious time together, when life is unimaginably difficult.
“However, another reason why it’s such an important phrase is when talking about the time our volunteers donate.
“We have busier lives than ever, yet every one of our volunteers finds the time to give something to EACH.
“That makes them special and unique, and every hour they give helps us raise money, which ensures we’re able to deliver the world-class service we provide.
“Certainly in terms of retail, they’re a lifeline – at the very heart of what we do – and it’s genuinely appreciated.”
Ian said just 16 per cent of the UK population volunteers on a regular basis, at least once a month.
However, many EACH retail volunteers spare time at least once a week, giving countless hours and days of their time.
The names of long-service award winners were shared on screen during the day, with 138 presentations being made throughout 2024.
They are for volunteers who have helped for five, ten or 15 years respectively – plus four who have clocked up 20 years.
EACH has a fast-growing retail operation, and there are volunteering opportunities to suit people’s skills and interests, from serving customers to sorting and pricing donations, dressing windows, steaming clothes, testing electrical equipment and listing items on eBay.
Other important roles include being a key holder, listing and sending books and being a driver’s mate, heading out to distribute goods, including collecting and dropping off furniture.
The campaign is running for a fortnight, with posters and flyers on display in every shop, as well as coverage and volunteer stories being shared online and via social media.
To find out more about volunteering for EACH, pop into your local shop, visit each.org.uk/volunteering, email volunteering@each.org.uk or call 01223 205183 (option four).
EACH has three hospices – The Nook, near Norwich, The Treehouse, in Ipswich, and at Milton, near Cambridge.
The charity relies on voluntary donations for the majority of its income. This year alone, it needs to raise £7.5 million from donations and fundraising activities and £8.7 million in retail income. Only 15% of its income comes from the government, county councils and the NHS.
The thank you day took place on 3rd October and a similar event is taking place in Newmarket in November.
Pictures: Karen Self/EACH