St Richard’s Hospice has launched a new campaign aimed at recruiting 101 volunteers in 101 days to help run the charity’s 17 stores across Worcestershire.
The high street stores are the charity’s face within the community and last year their shops achieved a turnover of £2.37m through the sale of good quality clothes, bric-a-brac, books and furniture donated by local people.
Danny Corns, Commercial Director, said; “We have developed a successful chain of shops across the county and are very grateful for the dedication of our volunteers and the local community who generously support the hospice.”
“In order to continue this success we would welcome new volunteers to join our team. Not only will their volunteering help to make a difference to our patients and families, but they will be at the heart of the community; make new friends, gain new skills and have fun!”
Mr Corns explained, “We decided to focus on recruiting 101 volunteers to get people interested and start a conversation.”
He added, “We realise that many people have a very busy lifestyle but would still like to get involved in volunteering so we are flexible to fit in with their needs. Just a few hours a week in one of our shops, in the short or long term, will make a big difference.”
St Richard’s is offering taster sessions in the shops to try out volunteering and also running a number of information sessions in their stores around Worcestershire. The next one is at the St Richard’s shop in Evesham on Thursday 8th September from 9.30am and St Swithin Street, Worcester, on Friday 16th September from 9.30am.
Anyone able to volunteer is asked to call into their local shop to chat with the manager about the volunteer opportunities available or call Staff and Volunteer recruitment co-ordinator Kirstie Smith on 01905 763963 email or go online http://www.strichards.org.uk/volunteers/shops-and-warehouse
St Richard’s Hospice provides free specialist palliative care for patients living with life-limiting illnesses and supports their families. Each year the hospice team supports over 2,500 patients and family members in Worcestershire with compassion, kindness, dignity and respect.
Patients are cared for in Day Hospice, the 17-bed In-patient Unit or in their own homes by a specialist professional team as well as many trained volunteers.
In the In-patient Unit, specialist staff are on hand 24 hours a day to manage patients’ symptoms and where, if appropriate, patients may spend the last few days of life in comfort and dignity. St Richard’s is an independent charity and is grateful for all donations to help it to continue its work.