Appeal for shop volunteers
Could you give a few hours a week and make a difference by volunteering in one of our shops?
Following a huge increase in customer numbers after the easing of lockdown restrictions, St Ann’s is putting out an urgent appeal during Volunteers’ Week for volunteers to support staff in our online sales team and shops across Greater Manchester.
We’re asking local people to consider donating just a few hours of their time each week to help shop staff raise vital funds to support local patients.
It’s fantastic that customers are embracing their new freedoms by coming to purchase new and pre-loved goods at our covid-safe shops. As a result of the fabulous increase in footfall, it’s vital we recruit more volunteers as soon as possible to support our team. There’s such a wide range of volunteering roles available, and we’re hoping there’s something that will appeal to everyone. Amanda Brooks, Head of St Ann's Trading Company
Amanda said: “We need help with everything from window displays and merchandising to serving customers, steaming clothes and organising books. We’re also looking for volunteers to help our furniture shop in Ardwick and are keen to hear from anyone who might be able to assist with weekend support in our new bridal boutique in Stockport.
“Our online sales team and staff at our distribution centre in Reddish are also looking for support from people who could help with photography, posting and packing, and sorting goods for our shops too.
“The role of a charity shop volunteer has really changed in recent years, and we see people of all ages who come to us and really benefit from, and enjoy, the experience.”
St Ann’s has to raise around £20,000 every day to keep the doors open, and we simply couldn’t do it without our army of loyal volunteers. We have people who support us for a variety of reasons, some are job seekers looking to build their CV, others are retired people who are looking for a new challenge, and we also work with students who are helping broaden their skillset too. Amanda Brooks
Amanda said: “We give full training and support, and we’d be keen to hear from anyone aged 16 and over who thinks they might be able to help out – even for a few hours a week. Every small contribution makes a huge difference to our patients.”
Anyone interested in supporting the hospice can call 0161 477 7839 from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday, or pop into their local St Ann’s Hospice shop and ask for details.
Become a shop volunteer
Whether you're a job seeker looking to build your CV, are retired and looking for a new challenge, or are a student who wants to broaden their skillset too, you can help us make a difference.
Fill in the application form online