East Anglia's Children's Hospices launch "urgent" appeal for volunteers
The charity says the number of hours volunteered in its shops is down over 50%
Last updated 5th May 2021
East Anglia's Children's Hospices (EACH) has launched an urgent appeal for volunteers.
The charity has launched 'We need YOU' to keep its 43 outlets across the region open and raising funds.
Following the reopening of non-essential retail on 12 April, EACH has experienced a mountain of support from the public through purchases and donations.
Now, the charity is launching a campaign to address what it's described as the "biggest challenge" faced by its shops.
Sarah Throssell, EACH Acting Head of Retail, said:
"With many of our shop volunteers currently unable to lend a hand owing to the effects of the pandemic, the number of hours’ support we ordinarily receive is down more than 50%.
"Our shops simply cannot run and raise the millions of pounds they normally do without the generosity of volunteers, and as more and more families exhausted from shielding reach out for support it’s never been so important."
68-year-old retired teacher, Jane Rogers, volunteers in one of the shops, she said:
"I think there’s an awful lot of people who don’t like to push themselves forward in case they’re not good enough or something, but actually there’s a role for everybody. It’s not demanding because tasks can be suited to people’s capabilities.
"Everybody’s very, very friendly and helpful, and there’s just a nice, fun atmosphere. You have a good laugh, including with the customers because we have quite a lot of regulars who you get to know by name and that’s great. I missed it when we had to close down."
Hannah Milbourne, EACH Volunteer Services and Development Manager, added:
"There are so many tasks to do in our shops, from sorting donations and running the till to testing electrical goods and listing items on our eBay shop. We also need helpers at our retail distribution centre and main eBay base, both in Thetford.
"No previous experience is required and even just a couple of hours a week makes a big difference. Volunteers are at the heart of what we do at EACH, so a friendly welcome is guaranteed."
Anyone interested in assisting EACH is asked to visit the charity's website, call 01223 205183 or email volunteerservices@.each.org.uk.