Volunteers' Week is our chance to celebrate the amazing people who give their time and skills to make Save the Children's work possible. Pat, who works in our shop in Ballycastle, tells us her volunteering story.
While living in Canada, my husband Edward and I sponsored a child in Ghana, named Matthew, through Save the Children. Our financial support provided for his education, medication, clothing, and supported his family. Every year Matthew sent photos and a letter, translated by a volunteer, telling us about his life, but sadly he died of meningitis, aged just 18.
After living in Canada for 30 years, we moved with our two children to the beautiful seaside town of Ballycastle in Northern Ireland. In town one day, I noticed a huge banner in a window, seeking volunteers for a Save the Children shop that was opening.
My daughter suggested I apply. She was an emergency fundraiser for Save the Children at her company - the two of us even once ran the Belfast Marathon for Save the Children. I decided volunteering would be a wonderful way to get to know my community and continue supporting the splendid work of Save the Children.
Save the Children supports so many children like Matthew. He’s the reason and motivation for my volunteering. Save the Children opening in Ballycastle provided me with the opportunity. A volunteer’s time is their precious gift to charity.
Putting my shift in
My regular shifts are Tuesday and Thursday mornings. I arrive at 9.15am and of course put the kettle on for a chat with the other volunteers before we open. We aim to have three volunteers per shift: one operating the till and two sorting and pricing. I prefer to sort and price but operate the till when needed. I then handover to the volunteers for the afternoon shift.
My work doesn’t stop at the end of my shift, though. I am the longest-serving volunteer and the point of contact for my manager. We discuss any issues impacting the shop as well as goals and opportunities. I work on the rota outside my regular shifts and ensure shifts are covered when volunteers are sick or unavailable.
I’m proud of our shop
Ballycastle is a small, rural, seaside town, located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. A lot of tourists come into the shop and are amazed by how clean and modern it is: “It doesn’t look like a charity shop,” we often hear them say. Of course, our regular customers come in for a browse, a chat, and a good laugh.
Volunteering goes both ways
Working at Save the Children is an amazing opportunity to meet new people from diverse backgrounds and nationalities. Our volunteers range in age from 19 to 82, so you’re never too young or too old! Many friendships are made between the volunteers who otherwise would never have met.
It allows you to improve your skills by working as part of a team with customers and donors. Your strengths, abilities, interests, and talents will be encouraged, whether it’s dressing the window, the jewellery display, DVDs/CDs, books, toys, and electricals - we have opportunities for a qualified PAT tester! We also have one floor just for a bridal department,
Save the Children does amazing work around the world, and volunteering enables that work to continue. Plus, the satisfaction of volunteering is outstanding. I unreservedly recommend it!
Feeling inspired? You can find out more about volunteering with Save the Children, and our latest opportunities including at our Ballycastle shop.
