2 minute read
Pushing beyond boundaries
Denese D’Costa has been volunteering for the hospice since 2019, and knows all too well through personal experience the incredible work the charity does. Denese is part of the RePurpose team, where once-loved items of all kinds are restored or repurposed to sell in aid of the hospice.
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Lawrence and Denese
“It was two years before I retired as an RE teacher that I learned first-hand about the incredible work of the hospice,” Denese says.
“Just after Christmas 2016 my mum had a fall and broke her hip. The doctors weren’t able to operate as she had a weak heart. I nursed her at home for over two months. Watching Mum die when there was nothing I could do was heart-breaking, but thankfully I had support from the amazing hospice community palliative nursing team.”
Denese struggled to come to terms with her loss, but after speaking to the hospice she was offered bereavement counselling.
“When I needed help the hospice immediately responded. It made such a big difference to me. That’s why I was inspired to volunteer.”
Then Denese saw a leaflet about the hospice Repurpose project.
“I went to visit the workshop and signed up there and then,” Denese reveals. “I instinctively knew that this was the way I could raise some money and make a difference.”
“From sorting and unpacking donations, pricing items or repairing things, I didn’t mind what I did and loved volunteering as part of such a lovely team.”
When the COVID pandemic hit, Denese stopped volunteering for several months, but in early 2021 began working for RePurpose again from home, drafting and listing donated books to sell on eBay.
“I’ve since become the ‘book expert’ and it’s fascinating. I research information on the book, cleaning it if necessary, taking photos, drafting and listing online.”
“I sell books nationally and internationally. I have sold to Europe, America, and as far as China. In total we’ve raised £1,460 to date for the hospice through online book sales.”
“It’s wonderful to be able to give something back to the charity who gave me so much. Volunteering gives me a sense of purpose and keeps me fulfilled.”
Our sixteen shops raise vital funds to help us support our local community – and they’re powered by volunteers. We’re looking for people to support our shops with all kinds of things including: sorting stock, serving customers, displaying items for sale. All training will be provided – what’s really important to us is that you want to be part of our team and come ready to share your time and skills. If you can support for a few days or even a few hours, we’d love to hear from you.
