Huw’s volunteer story
Taking early retirement? This week we chatted to Huw who, since retiring, has found a new passion in charity shop volunteering.
“I decided to retire early after working for years in local government and then as a self-employed consultant. I was a member of the board for a housing organization, so I knew all about the importance of volunteering but it wasn’t until a friend recommended St Gemma’s that I decided to look into volunteering myself.
Unfortunately that coincided with the start of the pandemic so after waiting about a year, I met Helen, the Manager of the Chapel Allerton shop, and started my St Gemma’s volunteer journey.
I now carry out 2 shifts a week. I love organising, so I make sure the back room of the shop is immaculate with everything on the rails in size order and ready to fill with donations.
I’ve always been interested in the environmental sustainability of charity shops and how they play a crucial part in reducing the carbon footprint. Donations are plenty in the shop so I’m always kept busy, making sure we have a quick turnaround for getting clothes steamed, tagged and hung.
Our team are great! There’s are some many wonderful personalities and a variety of skills and the manager gives us support and direction as well as responsibility. Time flies because we’re having so much fun!”
Huw and all of our volunteers contribute to raising nearly £3 million towards patient and family care at the Hospice and in the community. If you would like more information about joining our volunteer team please email volunteering@st-gemma.co.uk or call Charlotte on 0113 2185193, or visit www.st-gemma.co.uk/volunteering.