Charity shop volunteering
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Are you a rummager with a flair for finding hidden treasures and a keen eye for a bargain? Do you enjoy friendly conversation and meeting new people? Then come and join us at one of our charity shops.
How would I be helping people?
Our charity shops raise vital money to fund our services and help people both locally and internationally. As a charity shop volunteer, you could find yourself:
- helping and serving customers
- sorting and pricing clothes and other items
- designing shop windows and other displays.
What skills and training do I need?
You do not need any specific skills for this role. We will give you the training and support you need to do this role.
We also offer a certificate in retail skills for young shop volunteers.
Can I buy the goods sold in the shop?
Yes! Staff and volunteers are entitled to a 20 per cent discount on all donated products. You will have a great opportunity to snap up unusual and interesting clothing, books, CDs and other items donated to the shop, once they have been on sale to customers.
How much time do I need to give?
You and your volunteering manager will discuss how much time you are able to give. Since our volunteering opportunities depend on local needs, some areas may need volunteers more regularly or for longer hours than others. If one of our services requires more time than you are able to give, we may have other volunteering opportunities that fit your schedule.
Why are volunteers needed?
Without volunteers we would never be able to give people the help they need in a crisis. Because we offer so many services across the UK, we depend on people who generously give up their time to help others.
How do I apply?
Contact the Red Cross charity shop manager near you to talk about what opportunities are available.
True story: Volunteers bag prestigious shop award
A team of British Red Cross shop volunteers was crowned ‘Shop Team of the Year 2007’ in recognition of their tireless work and dedication.
There was cheering in Cheltenham as the impressively large team of 71 volunteers was presented with the award by the prestigious Association of Charity Shops (ACS).
To win the award, the Cheltenham gang saw off competition from a jaw-dropping 6,000 other charity shops across the UK. The award was given in recognition of the shop’s overall contribution in sales, management and – most importantly – support to volunteers.
Jean Gibbs, who has been volunteering at the Cheltenham shop for 17 years, said: “I like coming here and doing something completely different with my time. The manager and volunteers put in a lot of work to make the shop look nice. People like coming in and they often tell me we’re all so friendly.”
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