Barnardo’s thanks their amazing volunteers

Barnardo’s is marking the launch of Volunteers’ Week by celebrating its army of kind-hearted individuals, who donate their time to help the charity support thousands of vulnerable children and young people.

People volunteer for the UK’s leading children’s charity in a number of ways, from volunteering in retail shops, with Children’s Services or assisting with fundraising efforts.

This Volunteers Week, Barnardo’s is highlighting the fantastic level of support in its shops and the amazing volunteers who help to keep them running so successfully and smoothly.

One example is the charity’s store in Fallowfield, Manchester, which, thanks to its dedicated team of volunteers and staff, raised an amazing £188,000 last year making it Barnardo’s highest performing store.

The Ammanford store, in Wales which raised £184,000 last year, also demonstrates the importance of having a reliable team of volunteers. Thanks to the hard work of volunteers and staff such as manager Sue Langford, the store has raised more than £1.1m since opening in 2010.

Chief Executive Javed Khan said: ““I’m really grateful to our thousands of fantastic volunteers, who are the lifeblood of Barnardo’s.”

“Whether you volunteer in a shop, in our frontline services or give time to support our fundraising efforts, your contribution is vital.

“Thanks to you, Barnardo’s is able to support hundreds of thousands of vulnerable children, young people, parents and carers across the UK.”

Long-term supporter and former staff member of 21 years Mark Gill, who came into the care of Barnardo’s as a baby, is among the volunteers.

Keen to play an active role supporting Barnardo’s in retirement, Mark started volunteering at a local store and volunteers at events with the community fundraising team.

Mark, 66, from Barkingside, said:  “Volunteering gives you a great ‘feel good’ factor. For me it’s about giving something back to Barnardo’s. When you volunteer in the shops every day is different. 

“For people considering volunteering with Barnardo’s I would say definitely give it a go, you’ve got nothing to lose and the children supported by the charity have everything to gain from your generosity.”

Teenager Lucy Burton, began been volunteering at her local Barnardo’s store for her Duke of Edinburgh Award when she was just 14 but enjoyed it so much that she’s still there four years later.

She said: “Everyone is really kind and supportive, and it’s a very social environment. I was quite shy when I first joined but I’ve definitely become more confident and I like chatting to people. It’s like having a second family.”

To find out more about becoming a volunteer and the roles available, visit: www.barnardos.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer

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