Wednesday 27 May 2009

Volunteers' Week


Volunteers' Week (1-7 June) is the UK's annual celebration of the work volunteers do. It plays a huge part in raising the the profile of volunteers across the UK and, just happens to coincide with our busiest time of year.

Many schools and churches are now holding their summer fayres and take our stock on a sale-or-return basis, so we need volunteers to pack orders, price goods and serve customers.

People are surprised to learn that these type of events account for the majority of our sales, rather than in the shop itself. We use paper-based record keeping (so there is no complicated till or computer to learn!).

The current pool of around a dozen volunteers, come, not just from Prestonpans, but Port Seton, Longniddry, Gullane, Musselburgh and Joppa and are a mixed bunch including retired professionals, career breakers and part-time workers.

We are lucky to have such great volunteers - some of whom turn their hand to other tasks such as painting or minor DIY when necessary. Others use the skills gained in their professional lives and give talks on Fair trade to community organisations.

However, we are currently stretched to the limit and desperately need more volunteers in the shop to ensure we can continue with our current opening hours (Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10-12 & 2-4 and Saturday 10-12).

If you could give just two hours please call into the shop.