MP John Healey joined staff and volunteers at the Barnardo’s shop in Parkgate last week (Thursday 11 November) to back their appeal for more volunteers to help in their local Rotherham stores.
John met with Store Manager Debbie Houghton and talked with volunteers about how highly customers value the chance to shop with Barnardo’s and how busy they’ve been since the covid lockdown was lifted. But the pandemic has also meant some long-serving volunteers have stepped back so Barnardo’s are on a recruitment drive for fresh volunteers.
At Barnardo’s, the money raised from their Rotherham stores goes back straight to support for their services in Rotherham. The Parkgate is one of five Barnardo’s stores in Rotherham, with other shops at Manvers, Woodlaithes in Bramley, on the Tanyard in Wickersley and in the town centre at Wellgate. The valuable funds Barnardo’s raise for local services is dependent on having the volunteers working in their stores.
John Healey MP (Wentworth and Dearne) on visiting the Parkgate store has said:
“It was a real pleasure to visit the Barnardo’s Parkgate store and to see how professional their retailing is and hear how busy they are in this run-up to Christmas. These charity shops make a huge contribution to services for vulnerable children right across Rotherham.
“The work of each store totally depends on volunteer staff. This is really rewarding for those who want to put something into the local community and great experience for those who also want starting skills in retail. Charity shops have changed hugely over the last decade. They’ve become first-choice destinations for people looking for both good quality buys and a bargain. Barnardo’s volunteers are vital and highly-valued part of this charity and I’d encourage anyone who may be interested in helping out to get in touch with their local store.”
More information on volunteering with Barnardo’s can be found on their website here.