St Richard’s Hospice is encouraging more people to step forward and sign up to their campaign aimed at recruiting 101 volunteers in 101 days to help run the charity’s stores across Worcestershire.
The 17 high street stores are the charity’s face within the community and last year their shops achieved a turnover of £2.4m through the sale of good quality clothes, bric-a-brac, books and furniture donated by local people.
The charity is now 85 days into the campaign and has recruited 47 new volunteers with another 60 applications in process.
Danny Corns, Commercial Director, said; “We’re delighted that our campaign has attracted so many new volunteers and we are talking to lots more people who have shown an interest. 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!”
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.”
One of the new volunteers is 21-year-old Jake Edwards from Malvern. Jake is volunteering in the St Richard’s Malvern Link store and hopes to gain general work experience. He said he’s finding it all “pretty good! The team is very lovely and I enjoy the work.”
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
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.