For the past 9 nine years, Moyra from Bradford on Avon has been a familiar face at the CHSW Bath shop. On Monday and Wednesday mornings, she sets out early for the hour long journey, catching 2 buses from home to reach the shop.
Moyra’s volunteering includes sorting donations, steaming clothes and processing purchases at the till.
But for Moyra, it’s the people that make her journey worthwhile.
She describes her favourite part of volunteering as being part of the shop’s team, working alongside Manager, Ruth and Korri and fellow volunteers like Michael and John, who have become an important part of her weekly routine.
She also enjoys the everyday interactions that come with volunteering in a busy charity shop.
“I enjoy being able to chat with customers, especially the children who come in with their parents and of course, the dogs. They always brighten my day,” she says.
Moyra says she is always happy to help people, remaining polite and ready with a smile for everyone who walks through the door.
She adds: “People may think volunteering in a charity shop is all doom and gloom, but it really isn’t."
Come in and try it, you might be surprised.
A few weeks ago, the team witnessed a particularly touching moment in the shop. A customer was purchasing an item but didn’t quite have enough money to complete the transaction. Unexpectedly, the gentleman standing nearby kindly stepped in and offered to pay the difference for them.
“In today’s world, we do not see much generosity and kindness, so it was lovely to witness such a thoughtful gesture.”
Reflecting on 9 years of volunteering at the Bath shop, Moyra describes her time with just 2 words:
Absolutely fabulous.