Volunteers' Week is our chance to celebrate the amazing people who give their time and skills to make Save the Children's work possible. Meet Vinesh, a volunteer in our Mary's Living & Giving shop in Ealing Green. His manager is Sandhya.
How did you start volunteering?
Vinesh: I started 7 years ago - I was recommended to come by the job centre. I came along to apply and find out more.
What do you do in the shop?
Vinesh: I do lots of things - I do the emergency light checks. I keep the shop clean. I thank customers for donations and then sort through them and steam and iron and price them. I also work on the till.
I like doing everything! But my favorite thing is talking to customers.
I volunteer 2 days a week but sometimes come in more If needed. I get the bus here and walk - I love walking.
Sandhya: Vinesh is always so willing to help and come in additional days if we need someone in. It's great having him as part of the shop team, everyone loves seeing him.
How do things work in your shop?
Vinesh: We have a room (downstairs) where we take donations. We sort through them and iron and steam them and hang them up. We then price them, and they go on a rail ready to go to the shop floor. We currently store items we don’t want to put out - like winter clothes.
Sandhya: We keep some donations for props for our shop window. For the coronation we had the mannequins in the window dressed up as the Royal Family!
What do you like about volunteering?
Vinesh: Everyone is so friendly.
What would you say to someone wanting to volunteer?
Vinesh: It's nice - people are friendly, you will like It!
Feeling inspired? You can find out more about volunteering with Save the Children, and our latest opportunities including at becoming a volunteer in our Ealing Green shop.
