NEW EDINBURGH CHARITY SHOP SEEKS VOLUNTEERS
An Edinburgh charity shop opens its doors to the public next month and although it is on track to welcome the first eager bargain hunters, the shop is still in need of more volunteers to help run it.
Salvation Army Trading Company is set to open a shop at 65 Newington Road on 31 January 2013 at 10.30am. The shop will sell quality donated goods including clothes, accessories, bric-a-brac and household goods, with all profits gift-aided to The Salvation Army to help fund its valuable work throughout the UK.
After months spent collecting donated items, the is set to open with a host of designer bargains, which include a pair of Jimmy Choo boots, a Lladro ornament, an original Toskana leather coat and a Missoni designer handbag.
Although preparations are underway in terms of fitting out the shop there is always room for more helpers and the team is holding a volunteering open day on Wednesday 30 January, between 10am and 3pm, so that those interested in becoming a volunteer can come and learn more about what’s involved, as covering manager Maggie Hope explains:
“We rely heavily on the generosity of our volunteers, who are key members of the team in all our shops,” says shop manager Maggie Hope. “There are lots of different jobs that need doing from sorting through the donated stock to window dressing and helping customers with their purchases. We are also looking for volunteer drivers with their own transport to help pick up donations from people’s homes in the area. Volunteering is a fantastic way to learn new skills or brush up on old ones and a lovely way to give something back to community you live in. As well as knowing that giving your time will ultimately help The Salvation Army’s work throughout the UK including homeless services, elderly care, professional addiction services, family tracing and much more, you’ll also be helping people in the community who rely on shops like ours for quality goods they can afford. And it can be a lot of fun too!
“So if you think you can spare any time at all, from a few hours to a few days a week, please do get in touch – we’d love to hear from you. You don’t need any experience, although if you do have some retail knowledge we can definitely put it to good use.”
“We are also always grateful to accept donations from the public, whether it’s clothes, shoes, accessories, bric-a-brac or homewares. In fact, we know that items of small, portable furniture like nests of tables, stools and chairs are in demand at the moment so they would also be gratefully received. The only things we ask are that the items are clean and in good condition, and that no electrical items are included as we cannot safety test them.”
For more information on becoming a volunteer simply pop into the shop between 10am and 3pm on Wednesday 30 January or email volunteer@satradingco.org. For more information on Salvation Army Trading Company and all its shops, visit http://www.wear2shop.co.uk.
Submitted by Kerry-Rose O’Donnell
