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Volunteer for Martlets
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Paul Quigley has been a volunteer at Martlets for the past two years. As a ‘van driver’s mate’, he helps collect and deliver donations for shops.
I go out in a Martlets van to pick up furniture and all sorts of stuff that’s being donated. I don’t drive, so I’m the ‘wing man’, giving the driver directions and so on. The traffic can be awful at times so I’m glad I’m in the passenger seat, but we have so much fun, even when we’re stuck in a jam.
We meet so many people and pick up such a variety of stuff. The other day we were literally ‘in the doghouse’ when we picked up a dog kennel from a back garden, and the other week someone donated a rather unusual piece of alternative ‘fancy dress’ to one of our charity shops. Only in Brighton.
Paul was a lift engineer for 20 years but stopped working due to ill health. Volunteering has helped him interact with different types of people and make the transition back into work.
I’d encourage other people to give volunteering a go. It’s a great way to earn yourself a reference if you haven’t been working for a while and to build your confidence. If you’re down, volunteering just lifts you up. That’s what Martlets has done for me.
Volunteer with us
You can volunteer for Martlets in a variety of interesting roles, for just a few hours each week or take on a bigger commitment. Whatever time you have, regardless of your experience and skills, we’ll help you find a role that you will love.
Our volunteers help in all areas of the organisation so you could choose whether you would like to help at the hospice itself, fundraise in the community or work in our shops or distribution centre.
People volunteer for all sorts of reasons in all sorts of ways. To find out more about volunteering please go to www.themartlets.org.uk/ volunteer-with-us/
Make a shop donation
Having a clear out? Drop off pre-loved clothes, homewares or accessories at your local Martlets shop. We’re happy to collect furniture or larger items free of charge and house clearances are available on request if you, or a family member, have been cared for by Martlets.
Find a shop near you: www.themartlets.org.uk/find-a-shop/ Alternatively, email trading@martlets.org.uk or call 01273 721188 to arrange a pick-up.
