5 Reasons to Volunteer This Winter

With our 46 shops, we need people from all walks of life to volunteer for all kinds of roles that help beat poverty.

You can give as little or as much time as you like. If you’d like to talk to someone about what’s right for you, just pop into your local Oxfam shop and have a chat with the shop manager.

Our shop volunteers are at the heart of our community and they are a part of a powerful movement of people united by one goal – an end to poverty, for everyone.

Without volunteers like YOU we wouldn’t be able to do the work we do.

It is because of the commitment and enthusiasm of our amazing volunteers that Oxfam can change lives and work toward building a world without poverty.

HERE ARE 5 REASONS TO VOLUNTEER IN AN OXFAM SHOP THIS WINTER…

1. MAKE NEW FRIENDS

Volunteering is linked to better physical, mental and emotional health – and helps us feel more socially connected.

Volunteer in an Oxfam shop and you’ll meet some amazing people at the heart of your community, who are united by a common cause.

2. MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE BY HELPING RAISE FUNDS FOR OXFAM’S WORK

It’s the time of year for giving, and what better present to give than the gift of your time? Every shift you volunteer raises vital funds to transform the lives of people living in poverty – helping people around the world to grow more food, educate their children, and lead healthy, productive lives.

3. USE SKILLS AND LEARN NEW ONES

Volunteering works both ways. There are so many benefits to volunteering, whether you’re looking to share your knowledge, meet new people, or get valuable experience that looks great on your CV or UCAS form, talk to us, we’d love to talk to you.

4. SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE FASHION AND JOIN OUR FIGHT AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE

Oxfam Shops are a great place for buying quality second hand clothes, unique sustainable gifts and cards that help beat poverty – and you’ll be surprised at how much festive fun you can have by helping people find special Christmas presents for their loved ones.

What better way to support sustainable fashion and our fight against climate change than by volunteering during the festive season.

You may even be able to tick off some pressies from your own Christmas shopping list while you’re there too!

5. START THE NEW YEAR ON A POSITIVE NOTE

With a new year just around the corner, you can get ahead of the game and tick off a resolution before 2022 has even started. If you’re in need of some inspiration, volunteering with Oxfam could help provide some fresh perspective. You’ll find people that you can learn from, and who can learn from you.

A Safe Place

All of our shops have safety measures in place to ensure the health and safety of our volunteers and customers. All shops have a suite of PPE: sneeze screens in front of the tills, social distancing measures and messaging throughout the store and a sanitation station at the entrance. Staff and volunteers are wearing masks and have an infrared thermometer in each shop to ensure regular check-ups - as well plenty of handwashing - throughout the day. As part of the overall ‘Covid Compliant Reopening Plan’ which focuses on the Health & Safety of our Staff, Volunteers, Customers and Donors all stock donations will be quarantined for 72 hours before going on sale.

From window dressing to managing our social media, whatever you choose to do, join a friendly team at the heart of your community.

Think you’d enjoy a few hours volunteering this winter?