Hospice
Fundraising
To celebrate the shop’s first birthday, we heard from Volunteer, Melanie Timlin, who has “absolutely loved” volunteering having joined the team after retiring from the Civil Service.
Melanie said:
“I was there the day we opened and there were queues outside and such anticipation from locals. Customers and volunteers alike were so excited by the treasures within. 12 months on, every time we enter the shop, we are keen to find out what exciting items are in store.”
Measuring over 4000 square feet, the charity shop has a constant rotation of furniture, fashion, books and toys all of which are loved by shoppers.
“We have many customers from the local area who appreciate the opportunity to purchase quality items at a price they can afford.
“I see ladies making regular trips to browse and purchase bespoke pieces as they can find one-of-a-kind items, they cannot purchase anywhere else.”
Shop Manager, Louise Tutte, echoes this, saying that the shop located on Albion Retail Park has been “welcomed with open arms” by the local community.
“Feedback has been great and we are getting new customers and donors through the door every week.”
Over the past 12 months, the shop has received over 38,000 bags of donated items including clothes, toys, books and more which could have otherwise ended up in landfill.
“We are so fortunate to have a large number of donations every day and are looking for more volunteers to help us sort through them. The weird and wonderful items that have been donated over the last twelve months always give us something to smile about – there is always sorting to get stuck into! Earlier this year we had a number of Prada shoes donated which was a real highlight.”
It’s not just shoppers and donors who have been integral to the success of the shop over the last year but the volunteers too, Shop Manager, Louise explains:
“Without our magnificent volunteers we couldn’t have gotten where we are today, they give their all and are totally dedicated to St Oswald’s Hospice.”
Retail Volunteer Melanie seconds this saying:
“It’s great seeing how much more of an impact we can have on the community in Blyth and for everyone at St Oswald’s Hospice.”
2024 had been a challenging year for Melanie but volunteering helped provide a positive space where she could relax and enjoy herself.
“The team of staff and volunteers have become a little community, we are so supportive of each other.
“This hasn’t been the easiest year for me but the care and understanding I received from both volunteers and staff has been amazing. Volunteering has acted as a distraction and has been so good for my mental health at a particularly stressful time.”
It’s not just friendship Melanie has gained through volunteering but new skills too:
“I had very limited volunteering experience and was a little nervous about starting at the new St Oswald’s Hospice store. Looking back, I had nothing to worry about. Louise and her staff team were great, helping us settle in, patiently steering us through the various tasks that are now second nature.”
Melanie is really looking forward to the next 12 months and says:
“I’ve absolutely loved working as a volunteer this past year. If anyone is thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure I would encourage you to give it a go. I don’t think you’ll regret it.”
If you would like to volunteer in our Blyth shop, please email Shop Manager Louise Tutte or call the shop on 01670 330 885. You can find our Blyth store at Albion Retail Park, NE24 5BS, Monday to Saturday, 10am – 4.30pm.
We hope to see you soon!
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