I used to window dress in my twenties and really enjoyed it. Now that I run my own business from home, I have the flexibility, and time, to volunteer. I absolutely love dressing the Emmaus shop window every week.
Previously, I was a youth worker through most of my career, but I recently chose to take a different direction and start my own business, working from home. Now that I work 3 days a week, I wanted a reason to get out and do something different on a day I’m not working so I volunteer at Emmaus one day a week. I really look forward to coming in and enjoy working with the other volunteers and companions.
When I arrive, I see what has been donated since I was last in, and I will put items to one side and use them in the window. I love the fact the shop has a nice big window and I get free rein to be as creative as I can with the donations received. I consider calendar events such as Valentine’s Day or St. David’s’ Day, as these often make the most eye-catching displays, and draw people into the shop. It is such fun, creative and rewarding work. I love it when customers comment and say how lovely the window looks.
I have been volunteering at the Caroline Street shop since April 2023 and would absolutely recommend it to anyone who has the time to commit. My advice is to decide what it is you would like to do and ask if you can come in specifically for that purpose. I don’t enjoy working on the till so I asked if I could dress the windows and create shelving displays. Emmaus are grateful for my time, and I really enjoy doing it.
If you would like to find out more about volunteering at Emmaus South Wales please click here.