PEOPLE with a couple of free-time hours can join a team of volunteers supporting a borough bereavement charity.
Sue Ryder Duchess of Kent Hospice in Reading is calling for more volunteers to help run its charity shops.
Volunteers can help with everything from sorting and preparing stock, merchandising and sales.
And by supporting their local Sue Ryder shop, people can donate their skills and knowledge, gain retail experience, meet new people and support their local community.
All the while they will be helping to make a real difference to people relying on the charity’s end of life care and bereavement support.
Wokingham’s Sue Ryder shop is short of volunteers in both its sorting room, and on the shop floor.
Wokingham manager Tanya, said: “We currently have around 20 wonderful people who volunteer with us in slots of between two and four hours.
“We really need another 12 to help us in the sorting room, and we’re also looking to fill six afternoon shifts in the shop each week.
“We’re a friendly team to work with, and it’s great to be able to support the charity’s end of life care work.
“We’d love to hear from people who can give us a little of their time.
“It’s a good opportunity for anyone currently looking to gain retail skills, or for retired folk wanting to get involved and share their skills with the community.
“Anyone interested can just drop in to the shop for a chat.
“We can arrange for an hour’s trial, so they can see if it’s for them.”
And in Reading, Sue Ryder’s Oxford Road branch is also looking for three or four people to help out.
Reading manager Gabriella, said: “People take holidays, and sometimes things crop up, so having more volunteers to cover shifts would be really helpful.
“Our volunteers can get involved with everything: sorting, bagging, shop work, or helping with cleaning.
“People can just drop in to find out more – we’d love to hear from them.”
Sue Ryder volunteer manager, Lucy Swann said: “We would absolutely love any budding volunteers out there to consider making it their New Year’s resolution to come and join us.
“Our teams of retail volunteers are an invaluable part of our charity and play a critical part in helping us raise funds.
“Our dedicated volunteers are a lifeline to our shops, and we simply could not operate without them.”
To apply, people can visit their local Sue Ryder shop, or log onto: www.sueryder.org
