DARTFORD GIVING
By Kate Hargreaves be a great role if you’re 16 or 17 and want to get some retail experience on your CV before applying for paid roles at shops at Bluewater when you’re 18!). You should be friendly and confident talking to people, or want to develop your skills in this area. Retail experience isn’t necessary as full training will be given.
This month I’m writing about one of the more common ways that people volunteer to help charities – as a charity shop assistant. There are many charity shops in the Dartford area, but this month I’ll focus on the RSPCA charity shops in Dartford and Gravesend. The Gravesend branch in particular has vacancies and both shops raise money for the RSPCA Kent North West branch. Charity shop assistant “What is it?” As a volunteer charity shop assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. Depending on your preferences, you could help on the shop floor or in the stock room, or a mixture of both. Typical tasks include helping customers find items, processing sales, sorting through
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“Anything else I need to know?” If you like the idea of helping the RSPCA Kent North West branch, but aren’t keen on being a charity shop assistant, there are other ways you can help. You could become a trustee – a role that I wrote about in January 2021 (and I’m one of the trustees so you could be volunteering with me!); or you could be an eBay co-ordinator selling donated items online to raise funds for the branch. If you want more information about these roles, you can email donated items, steaming and hanging info@rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk. donated items for sale, and creating window displays. “This sounds great, how do I get involved?” Contact the Branch “Would I enjoy it?” You can make Manager, Becky Blackmore, at new friends, have fun, and feel good becky@rspca-kentnorthwest.org.uk or knowing that you’ve helped raise on 01233 733584. vital funds to help the RSPCA to save more animals – what’s not to like! If you have any questions, feel free to email kate@dartfordliving.com. As “What would I get out of it?” You will always, happy volunteering! receive training and can develop skills in customer service, multi-tasking and merchandising. Shop experience is always great to have on your CV as it can show that you are reliable and have good interpersonal skills. “How much time do I need for it?” Ideally, you should be able to commit at least a few hours a week, but the days and times can be arranged with the shop manager. “Are there any requirements?” You need to be 16 or over (so this could
