Vincent’s Retail Volunteer Appeal

(scroll to the bottom of this post for the list of Vincent’s shops who are currently recruiting new volunteers)

It’s been a difficult time for many charities who are trying to continue their vital services  but the charity retail sector are particularly struggling.  They have always been reliant on older volunteers within their volunteer teams and in the midst of the current pandemic these are the very people who may not be able to continue with the volunteering they love.

St Vincent de Paul are in exactly this position, with many of their volunteers currently unable to help they are making a appeal for new people to consider getting involved and joining their teams.

Vincent’s charity shops are a very important aspect of the service SVP provides.  Not only do they provide people with new and lightly worn items at affordable prices, they also provide an income source for the Society, which is recycled directly back into the community.

The charity shops are managed by a small number of professionals, assisted by a large number of volunteers and by community employment trainees.  The profits generated from the charity shops, some of which also supply furniture, are recycled into local Conferences around Ireland to support those in need.

Local SVP Conferences can also provide families and individuals with Vincent’s Gift Tokens for clothing and furniture, which they can use in any of their shops.

Volunteer Geraldine O’Donnel is based at Vincent’s Antrim Road and says;

“Shortly after my professional retirement I was delighted to be offered an opportunity to volunteer at St. Vincent de Paul shop on the Antrim Road, Belfast.  My involvement has satisfied one of my personal passions in embattling waste and the need to reduce, re-use and recycle much of what we consume.

Being able to maintain contact with previous colleagues and having great fun with many new friends while being physically active is a great bonus at this phase of my life.  Participating in the shop has also made me more aware of the practical needs of many people in our community, and everyone working together can ease the burden.

I would strongly encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to join in and they will be made very welcome.”

Rasa Visockiene is National Volunteer Coordinator for Retail with SVP and explains:

“Our shops make a phenomenal contribution to communities across Ireland, and this is only possible because of our volunteers’ hard work, dedication, passion and loyalty.   We really need to recruit new volunteers for the shops and  we are excited to introduce a new role whereby people  with an interest in crafting can choose to donate goods they have made at home and we will sell these bespoke items branded with a ‘Crafted with love by our Volunteers’ tag.    The public also play a huge role in help SVP and by donating your second-hand clothes and unwanted items to your closest charity shops, not only will you be freeing up space in your home, you will also be making a difference to people in need, in your community and make a positive change saving environment.”

Find out more about registering to volunteer with Vincent’s shops: