Barnardo’s praises Frome fundraisers

Children’s charity Barnardo’s has praised its Frome retail volunteers after they donated an amazing 12,400 hours of help last year.

Barnardo’s is highlighting the importance of local support in advance of national Volunteers’ Week next week (June 1st-7th).

Last year more than 30 people offered a combined total of more than 12,400 hours at the charity’s stores in Kingsway Precinct and Stonebridge Drive.

Across the whole Midlands & South West region, more than 1,350 people offered a combined total of more than 263,000 hours.

However, despite this immense generosity, the charity still needs more fundraisers to transform the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children.

 Barnardo’s manager Hannah Smith is currently responsible for both of the town’s stores. She said, “Our local stores play a vital role in raising much-needed funds to maintain our work across the UK.

“Some volunteers come in for just an hour each week but every effort is sincerely appreciated.”

 Volunteers can choose to help behind the scenes by sorting and tagging the donations and steaming clothes, or on the shop-floor by arranging window displays, styling mannequins or serving customers at the till.

The charity is also promoting its ‘Fortnight of Fun’ which invites students to volunteer in their local store over the summer holidays, gaining valuable work experience.

 Hannah added, “Volunteering provides immense personal satisfaction and is available to people of all ages and backgrounds.

“It’s a great way to make new friends and learn new skills, together with gaining important qualifications and experience which can really help in the search for work.

“Some use it as a stepping stone to employment while others simply enjoy the social aspect.

“Whatever their reasons for joining us, they’re helping to provide a positive future to disadvantaged children, young people and families across the UK.”