Wendy has been volunteering at ExtraCare's Sinfin Charity Shop for sixteen years. Now 80 and still supporting the team Wendy discusses her volunteering journey.
Wendy has been volunteering at ExtraCare's Sinfin Charity Shop for sixteen years. Now 80 and still supporting the team Wendy discusses her volunteering journey.
Wendy
Sinfin Charity Shop
When Wendy first walked into the ExtraCare charity shop in Sinfin, she was newly retired and looking for something meaningful to do with her time. Sixteen years later, and now 80, she’s still there a familiar, friendly face behind the till and a much-valued part of the shop’s community.
Wendy began volunteering when the shop first opened. “I was a little bit bored after retiring, and I saw that the shop was going to open, so I came across and asked about helping out,” she says. “Anyway, I’ve been there ever since.”
Wendy volunteers three mornings a week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, from 9.30am until 1.30pm. What started as a way to stay busy after retirement has become an important part of her routine, giving her companionship, purpose and a continued connection to her local community.
For Wendy, one of the biggest rewards of volunteering has been the people she has met along the way. “It’s just the company,” she explains. “So many different people come in. I’ve made friends with a lot of people.”
Over the years, Wendy has seen the shop change and grow and feels it is in a very positive place, she’s now the longest serving member of staff. She describes the shop itself as “beautiful, lovely and clean,” and says the team are “very good to me.” For her recent 80th birthday the team even threw her a party with a buffet and 80 presents in a box.
Volunteering has also helped Wendy keep active and engaged. Working on the till gives her something regular to focus on, and she says it helps keep her mind busy: “I’m on the till, so that’s my brain working.”
Although Wendy has experienced some issues with her nerves, she says the shop team understand and support her. “The manager and assistant manager, if I want anything, they help me,” she says. “They’re very good.”
That support has made it possible for Wendy to continue volunteering in a way that works for her. Her husband drives her to and from the shop, and the regular routine gives them both time for themselves during the week.
“I’d definitely recommend volunteering,” Wendy states. For anyone thinking about giving their time, she believes the most important thing is to bring kindness and a welcoming attitude. “You’ve got to be friendly and take people as you find them,” she says. “You’ve got to be here for the customers and smiling.”
Wendy proves volunteering is not only about giving back it can bring friendship, structure and a real sense of belonging. After 16 years, and at 80 years old she remains proof that it is never too late to get involved, meet new people, grow your circle and continue to make a difference in your community.
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