Pat’s story

My name is Pat and I have volunteered with St Gemma’s for the last thirteen years. I currently volunteer in the St Gemma’s shop in Hunslet.

I previously worked for around eight years as the manager at the Beeston shop, where I realised just how much volunteers are needed and appreciated in St Gemma’s shops. I volunteer for one regular morning a week, and extra if needed. I usually work on the ground floor, as there are two floors at the Hunslet shop. I cover the till, change the window displays weekly, help put clothes out on the shop floor and generally tidy up. I really enjoy dressing the windows, thinking about colour schemes or if there is a special event happening.

Volunteering in the shop can be quite tiring at times, but there are lots of moments that you really appreciate, especially when a regular customer makes a lovely comment about how much they value your commitment. I really look forward to my morning in the shop and never feel that I do not want to go.

Both staff and volunteers always work well together and support one another. I like working in a local shop quite close to where I live because I feel I am giving support to the local community who rely on the good value for money the shop provides. You can sometimes have challenging situations with the odd awkward customer, but these incidents are rare and the vast majority of customers are polite and friendly.

I would say to anyone who is thinking of becoming a volunteer, give it a try. Once you have taken the first step through the door, you will be made to feel welcome.

Volunteering is important to me because this is my time that I commit each week and it is so rewarding.

Being a volunteer gives as much back as you give, a real sense of fulfilment.