Pontypridd Store Team

Pontypridd is a small shop with a big team and big hearts. The team of 40 volunteers are committed, enthusiastic and resilient, having dealt with challenges including a flood and a fire at the store. They have worked together to ensure that the store remains open for sales and donations much needed for the charity. They show incredible dedication to Barnardo’s and also support other shops in their area who are struggling for volunteers and donations. They want what is best for the charity and go out of their way to ensure the shop is profitable and remains open. The team work to their strengths when fundraising and have a range of ages from 15 to 82 who all get along and come up with innovative ideas on how to raise the most money for the charity. They create a fun, welcoming and non-judgmental atmosphere at their store and find a way to sell every donation that they receive. 

Dalgety Bay Children’s Store Volunteers, Scotland

The ladies in this team go above and beyond for their store and Barnardo’s, and are always the first to volunteer for additional activities. They all bring their own strengths, but also work well together as a team, sharing great leadership skills and attention to detail on all tasks they engage with. The volunteers are well organised and full of enthusiasm, using their own initiative when needed, but also taking the time to learn new skills where necessary. They are always willing to come in for extra shifts when the store is short of volunteers and help to train new volunteers who come into the team. They keep the store managers informed of all local events and present these as opportunities for Barnardo’s to conduct extra fundraising activities. Most of the team have been volunteering for over 5 years and remain full of enthusiasm which is key to the smooth running of the store. 

Cheadle Hulme Store Volunteers

This is an amazingly strong and diverse team ranging from their mid teens to mid eighties. They are supportive both of one another and of the smooth running of the shop as a whole. Nothing is too much for the volunteers and they provide an outstanding shopping experience for customers. Despite a number of different managers, the volunteers have stayed loyal and are the backbone of the shop, taking it from strength to strength. They have seen so much change along the way but remain committed and dedicated, their efforts and adaptability know no bounds. The volunteers are united in their determination to help each other fulfil their potential and realise their worth.

Chichester Store Volunteers

The long-serving volunteer team at Chichester all bring great qualities which contribute to the smooth running of the store on a day to day basis, while also generating extra income. Each volunteer adds something different to the store, from going through donations of toys to make complete sets, transferring from other stores where needed and taking on new roles where necessary. Some volunteers have been with the store since it opened 25 years ago, demonstrating loyalty and commitment even when personal circumstances have made volunteering hard for them. The volunteers range in age from 14-90 years old, and the older volunteers are there for the younger volunteers, helping them settle in to the store and taking the time to mentor them. The store was one of the first to return to business after the lockdowns, and without the support and commitment of the volunteers this would not have been possible. The store is about to move to a larger location, and staff are confident that the volunteers will embrace the new challenge with the same attitude and commitment that they always have.  

This Year’s Region Winners are:

• – Thornton Store Volunteers
•  – Saltash Store Volunteers