OXFAM in Tralee is looking for enthusiastic people of all ages to join its existing team of dedicated shop volunteers.
The charity shop is appealing to the local community to pledge their time to help people living in poverty in more than 90 countries around the world.
Oxfam Tralee Shop Manager Eileen Cullinane said: “Without our team of amazing volunteers our shop could not stay open. Volunteers really are the heart and soul of our shop in Tralee and we rely on them and appreciate their contribution hugely.
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“All volunteers joining us are assured of a warm welcome, an interesting, worthwhile experience, and genuine appreciation of their support. Volunteering is a great way to gain new skills, meet new people, give something back to your community and have fun in the process.”
Eileen Cullinane also highlighted the volunteer experiences of two particular members of the team, Nora Casey and Kay O’Connor, who between them have given an invaluable volunteering contribution for a total of 20 years’ service.
“Nora joined us five years ago for the social aspect of volunteering as she was eager to meet new people. Her contribution includes working on the till as a sales assistant, as well as sorting and steaming items donated by the public.
“Kay has been volunteering with us for 15 years, after being motivated to give something back to the local community and to make a real difference to the lives of people living in poverty in the developing world. Kay’s previous retail experience means she delivers great customer service while working on the shop floor and she particularly enjoys looking after our books section.
“For those looking for work experience, volunteering will look great on your CV. And you get lots of experiences you wouldn’t otherwise get in life. Of course, each volunteer is different and contributions vary. But what they all have in common is they are amazing, generous people who make the world a fairer, kinder place. Oxfam is proud and so grateful for what our dedicated Tralee shop volunteers have contributed to the cause,” adds Eileen.
As little as four hours a week can make a big difference by helping to raise vital funds for Oxfam’s work worldwide.
Each Oxfam shop volunteer is given on-the-job training and the chance to learn new skills, develop existing talents and take on responsibility.
Everyone is valued and appreciated. The range of tasks includes pricing donations, sorting stock, using the till, dressing the windows and customer service.
Volunteers play a vital role in Oxfam’s work to beat poverty for good, supporting life-saving and life-changing projects from long-term development and emergency response to campaigning to tackle the root causes of poverty. Each volunteer shift could raise enough money to give two people clean drinking water in Ethiopia. Or to provide one woman in Bangladesh with access to a safe bathing cubicle. Or to train six farmers in innovative farming techniques in Ghana so they can deal with unpredictable weather.
If you feel you can help by volunteering, drop into your local Oxfam shop at 6 Abbey Court, Tralee; call 066 712 7655; or email tralee@oxfamireland.org.