I’ve been volunteering at Emmaus Village Carlton since December 2021.
I live in Olney, so I’m very close by and have visited many times as a customer over the years. A friend of mine was coming to a Volunteers Open Day here and she asked me to accompany her. We had a tour around the site and found the whole thing very impressive. I ended up putting my name down to volunteer.
My role is helping out in the eBay department, which encompasses a huge range of jobs. I come in for four hours every week in summer; in winter, when I have more free time, I increase my hours.
Every time I arrive there is something different to do, which makes it so enjoyable because I like to do new things – it’s never repetitive. One week I could be washing a load of Lego, and another week I could be sorting wedding dresses or clocks or stamps!
Sometimes I research items on the internet, to find out more about their background and value, which is always interesting.
I’m often walking about the site, fetching and carrying items that have been saved to sell on eBay. It’s nice to get to know staff and companions who are working in different areas.
I love the fact the Emmaus Village Carlton’s shops give people a chance to buy second-hand. Recycling and reuse is really important to me; I don’t like to see things going to the tip.
I’d definitely recommend volunteering here. Everybody is so friendly and welcoming, and appreciates your hard work. It’s so nice that, if you want to, you’re invited to eat lunch together with staff, companions and other volunteers. Nobody is seen as special or different – it’s a nice atmosphere.