I’ve been volunteering here for around three years and began volunteering after my son, Sean recommended it – he’s been volunteering here for over six years.
I moved to this area about seven years ago as Sean lives here with his partner and I really liked the village. We always used to come to visit and have a wander around and buy some bits.
It’s really interesting helping to sort the donations. We’ve had some quite valuable stuff that might have been thrown away or sent to the Emporium and sold for a couple of quid but was actually worth quite a bit of money.
We recently had some rare china – a small plate which had a little chip on it, and it was put in a box ready to go up to the Emporium. I was looking at it and turned it over and it had Ming written underneath. I gave it to the companion who does our eBay items and it fetched around £100! All that for a little plate! It probably would have been put in the bin if I hadn’t noticed the name, as it was chipped.
Worthwhile charity
It’s nice to get to know the companions, I really get on well with them. Sean helped me connect with the companions better because initially I used to take it personally if a companion was off with me, but Sean explained and said, “you don’t know what they’re going through”, which made me look at things in a different way, which has really helped me.
It’s such a worthwhile charity that helps people off the streets and gives them a home and a purpose. You get to know the companions and I’ve come in this morning after being off due to illness and I’ve had cuddles off everyone! I got quite emotional.
Benefits of volunteering
I used to do two days a week but after coming back following some health issues, I’m going to start with just one day a week and see how it goes. I’ve just got to take things a little bit slower. I can’t just sit indoors; I need to get out and do something.
The retail team said I can do something sitting down. They are looking at having a stall at the Waterbeach Feast, and they need some tombola prizes which need the tickets put onto them, so it’s things like that that I could do.
I just feel at home and love coming here. It’s an outlet for me at my age as it keeps me active and it’s good exercise too. I hardly ever take the lift; I always walk up the stairs.
I enjoy doing the linen section mostly. My son Sean tells me they all know if I’ve been in because the linen and towels are perfectly folded and tucked into themselves, just so. I do like to keep everything neat and tidy.
I just enjoy being here and have good banter with the companions and staff. It also gives me peace of mind knowing how much volunteering here is helping Sean.