27 May 2008
For further information Heron Holloway
Contact number 020 7877 7520 or 07659 145 095 (out of hours)
The British Red Cross is committed to supporting young people wanting to work within the retail sector. Launched during Volunteers Week (1-7 June) last year, the British Red Cross ‘Certificate in Retail Skills’ and ‘Retail Innovation Fund’ have been very popular and the Red Cross is hoping to encourage more young people to get involved and take advantage of these opportunities in 2008/9.
Miranda Bradley, British Red Cross retail development advisor, said:
“It has been fantastic having so many young people take part in the Retail Innovation Fund and the Certificate in Retail Skills. Not only do they enjoy themselves while boosting their CV, but our charity shops benefit from the injection of enthusiasm and new ideas; leading to more money being raised to fund crucial Red Cross work helping people in crisis.”
Retail Innovation Fund
From 27 May 2008, the British Red Cross will be accepting nominations for its Retail Innovation Fund. Four awards of £250 are given to young charity shop volunteers with innovative and creative projects to increase charity shop sales or to raise awareness of their shop within the community.
Last year’s winning projects included a silent auction of antiques, a Victorian-themed late night shopping evening, a sale of handmade Christmas and fancy dress items, and a road show to a local university.
Winning and managing a Retail Innovation Fund project not only helps the British Red Cross, but is also a valuable addition to a CV. Open to anyone under 26-years-old, applicants that do not currently volunteer at a Red Cross shop need not worry, as it is very easy to start.
To find your nearest Red Cross shop, or to learn more about the Retail Innovation Fund, visit www.redcross.org.uk/retail.
The deadline for nomination entries is 16 June 2008.
Certificate in Retail Skills
Over 60 young charity shop volunteers have now attained the ‘British Red Cross Certificate in Retail Skills’; launched last year during Volunteers Week (1-7 June). As a nationally recognised qualification developed according to Russell Commission criteria, the qualification is available at both a standard level (taking about 40 hours to complete) and at an advanced level (taking about 100 hours to complete).
A great addition to a CV, anyone under 26-years-old and volunteering in a Red Cross shop is able to undertake the certificate programme. Applicants that do not currently volunteer at a Red Cross shop need not worry, as it is very easy to start. Young charity shop volunteers completing the certificate will have a good understanding of the retail sector, charity shops – both on the shop floor and behind the scenes, and the Red Cross.
To learn more about the Certificate in Retail Skills, or to find out how to volunteer at your nearest Red Cross shop, visit www.redcross.org.uk/retail
ENDS
Notes to editors
§ There are over 330 Red Cross shops in the UK
§ The British Red Cross Certificate in Retail Skills and Retail Investment Fund launched on 29 May 2007
§ Case studies/photography of young retail volunteers are available
§ Interviews with Miranda Bradley or young retail volunteers are available
The British Red Cross helps people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. We are part of a global voluntary network, responding to conflicts, natural disasters and individual emergencies.
We enable vulnerable people in the UK and abroad to prepare for and withstand emergencies in their own communities. And when the crisis is over, we help them to recover and move on with their lives. | 
