Shop Volunteer

David Beaumont

I am a semi-retired grandad who likes keeping fit. I work at a medical device company called Smith & Nephew, but devote my Tuesday and Thursday afternoons volunteering at the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity shop in Cottenham. I enjoy spending time with my wife, children and grandchildren.

I was introduced to the voluntary role by a friend who had also taken early retirement and had recently started working at the shop. I had been looking for something to do with my time and this seemed a very worthwhile cause.
I am quite an outgoing person and I knew working in the shop environment would give me the opportunity to engage with a wide variety of people.

I love the variety in the role. My afternoons can include receiving and sorting donations, working on the till, washing/cleaning crockery, steaming, maintaining the steamer and helping to clean the shop at the end of my shift.
Volunteering has become part of my normal working week, however it is something I always look forward to.

What would you say to anyone considering volunteering?

Just do it. If you have the time spare, it can be so rewarding for you and the organisation you volunteer for.