“There was something special about the store, the way the team were so happy and shoppers felt so at home. I knew I wanted to volunteer there!” 

Debbie has been a Retail Volunteer at our Morden charity shop for seven months.

I have a great passion for charities. You can call me a charity shop connoisseur, having solely shopped in charity shops for the last 15 years and counting. I am proud that 98% of my wardrobe is pre-loved. It’s great on my pocket and the environment and I wear every item with pride! 

My love for charity shops led me to St Raphael’s. I am not local to the Hospice but I noticed the charity’s Morden store whilst on the number 80 bus. I’m happy I hopped off to take a look inside, as I spent 45 minutes shopping and chatting with the wonderful staff and volunteers inside. 

There was something special about the store, the way the team were so happy to be there and shoppers felt so at home. I knew I wanted to volunteer there. I can’t explain how much I love volunteering at this shop to this day. I feel passionate about my volunteering role and the relationships I have formed with our shoppers. We genuinely care for our customers. 

This shop has lifted up so many people. The Morden store has become a space where people feel excited to find special items, without the hefty price tags. In fact, in our store, everything is less than £3! This shop enables people to clothe themselves in quality items during difficult times – coats that see them through the winter, quality childrenswear for their little ones and wonderful items for their homes. We are filled with pride in every sale.

If you pop in, you may find me dressing the shelves, pricing garments or manning the till. As a volunteer you never need to worry about not knowing how to do something, there is always someone wonderful on hand to teach you and support you along the way.

The best part is that every sale goes directly towards the free hospice care that St Raphael’s provides the community – something we really need to help keep going. The cycle of pre-loved shopping is filled with a lot of heart.

Debbie’s advice: St Raphael’s is an incredible charity to volunteer for. It’s like a family. Sign up and fill your cup with happiness!

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