Traders call for help to meet surge in demand
FOLLOWING a huge increase in customer numbers after the easing of lockdown restrictions, a local charity is putting out an urgent appeal for volunteers to support staff in its online sales team and in its shops across Greater Manchester.
St Ann’s Hospice is asking local people to consider donating just a few hours of their time each week to help shop staff raise vital funds to support local patients.
Amanda Brooks, Head of the St Ann’s Trading Company, said: “It’s fantastic that customers are embracing their new freedoms by coming to purchase new and pre-loved goods at our covid-safe shops.
“As a result of the fabulous increase in footfall, it’s vital we recruit more volunteers as soon as possible to support our team.
“There’s such a wide range of volunteering roles available, and we’re hoping there’s something that will appeal to everyone.
“We need help with everything from window displays and merchandising to serving customers, steaming clothes and organising books.
“We’re also keen to hear from anyone who might be able to assist with weekend support in our new bridal boutique in Stockport.
“Our online sales team and staff at our distribution centre in Reddish are also looking for support from people who could help with photography, posting and packing, and sorting goods for our shops too.”
The hospice shops generate thousands of pounds worth of income every year for St Ann’s – income which enables the charity to continue to provide care to local patients with cancer and other life-limiting illnesses.
The hospice receives around a third of its funding from the NHS, so relies on income from donations and its trading company to carry on its work.
Amanda added: “The role of a charity shop volunteer has really changed in recent years, and we see people of all ages who come to us and really benefit from, and enjoy, the experience.
“St Ann’s has to raise around £20,000 every day to keep the doors open, and we simply couldn’t do it without our army of loyal volunteers.
“We have people who support us for a variety of reasons, some are job seekers looking to build their CV, others are retired people who are looking for a new challenge, and we also work with students who are helping broaden their skillset too.
“We give full training and support, and we’d be keen to hear from anyone aged 16 and over who thinks they might be able to help out – even for a few hours a week.
“Every small contribution makes a huge difference to our patients.”
Anyone interested in supporting the hospice can call 0161 477 7839 from 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday, or pop into their local St Ann’s Hospice shop and ask for details.
For more information on St Ann’s Hospice, please visit www.sah.org. uk