Emmaus Glasgow is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking volunteers and appealing for new people to join the team.
Emmaus Glasgow supports up to 27 people with experience of homelessness by providing a home, meaningful work and support at accommodation and a charity shop in Hamiltonhill, and another store in Partick.
Volunteers play an important part of the Emmaus community, working alongside staff and people with experience of homelessness to perform variety of roles. These include supporting in the shops, assisting with van collections and deliveries, and helping the wider community at soup kitchens.
Director of Emmaus Glasgow, Richard Allwood, said: “We can’t thank our volunteers enough for donating their time during what has been a difficult year in many ways, particularly given the rising costs of living, but also at an important time to give back.
“If we can help develop people’s skills and knowledge to boost their chances of employment or provide work experience for people seeking to help others, then we will do our best create the opportunities to achieve this.”
To build on the success of the existing team, the charity recently announced new voluntary opportunities to help by cooking meals in the kitchen and tending to the community gardens.
University of Glasgow students Ohikaodili Obi-Oroli and Adenike Aiileye started volunteering at Partick Charity Shop in February. They sort donations, size clothes and price goods ready to go on display.
MA student Ohikaodili said: “Volunteering at Partick Charity Shop is great in every way. There’s a nice atmosphere and good people. You can see this in the quality of the donations. Some of the clothing, for example, has never been worn. Some even still have the labels, and people have donated new books. People care about Emmaus Glasgow.”
Adenike, who is studying public health at masters’ level, said: “Volunteering has been a really relaxing thing to do. It’s been a great way to get out of your room at university and a way of giving back. It’s nice to see people are being kind to people who have nothing.”
To mark the contribution of volunteers, Emmaus Glasgow is planning a special thank you event at Mugdock Country Park on Sunday, July 17.
To find out more about the voluntary opportunities available at Emmaus Glasgow, please visit the Voluntary Roles section of our website or get in touch at [email protected], or 07915 879701.