An Oxfam shop in Glasgow is celebrating its volunteers and thanking them for all their time and dedication during this year’s Volunteers’ Week, which starts today.
Among them is Ross Pollock, 34, who has been volunteering at Oxfam DIY on Byres Road for 10 years.
In the past decade, Ross has come a very long way since he started.
Oxfam has made a huge impact on his life in terms of independence and confidence.
Volunteers at Oxfam DIY on Byres Road will be celebrating along with staff and supporters from June 1 to 7 to mark the occasion.
Oxfam relies on thousands of volunteers to run its shops, doing a variety of jobs such as manning the tills, sorting through donations, window dressing, updating social media and listing items for sale online.
The charity’s high street shops and the Oxfam Online Shop generate significant funds, and Oxfam is appealing for more volunteers to play a crucial role in raising money to help people fight poverty around the world.
The organisation is currently supplying emergency food, cash, clean water and sanitation to people in Kenya, Somalia, Ethiopia and South Sudan, where 21 million are in urgent need.
The conflict in Ukraine which has sent global food prices soaring, putting even more pressure on people struggling to survive.
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The manager of the Oxfam DIY on Byres Road said: “Without our volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to open.
“They make a huge difference, and in return, we make sure that every volunteer has an enjoyable time and gets what they want out of the experience.
“By putting on this event we want to celebrate the contribution they make.
“One of our volunteers, Ross has been volunteering at Oxfam DIY for 10 years come December. His confidence has grown tremendously since volunteering and he has gained more responsibility, which helps him feel confident living independently.
“For example, cash handling and going to the bank. He once counted all the items he steamed in one shift and it was an amazing 70 items!
“This helps Oxfam’s projects by (with an average of £5 per item) provide safe water for 35 families of four. He is an asset to our shop team.”
Anyone interested in volunteering for Oxfam can apply or pop into the shop and speak to the manager. Alternatively, people can apply online.
Charities across the UK will also be holding events to thank their volunteers and celebrate the power of volunteering.
Last year there were over 600 events across the country, from award ceremonies to tea parties and barbecues.
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