Leamington charity shop is desperate for volunteers

Last year, the British Heart Foundation shop in Regent Street was being supported by more than 100 volunteers - but since January, the number has dropped to just 23.

Shop manager Oana Radu says this means that herself and the three other salaried staff have to spend time fulfilling roles normally carried out by volunteers - and so the shop is unable to meet targets set by the charity.

Oana said: “Every week we are supposed to complete 204 volunteer hours, but we are only achieving 80 or 90 at the moment.

“Every day we are supposed to take a certain number of items to the shop floor, but we just don’t have the bodies in to help us achieve that number.

“Last week’s target was to make a minimum of £3,171 in sales and we only made £2,468.”

Although the charity has not issued the shop with any warnings, the fact that it is underperforming is very worrying for Oana.

She said: “We have lost more than 70 volunteers since January. They either found jobs, fell ill or moved abroad.

“We need volunteers every day. They are giving up their free time, so we don’t mind any level of commitment - even if someone just wants to come in for an hour.”

Volunteers must be over 16 and be able to climb stairs. Opening hours are Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5pm and Sundays 10am to 4pm. Anyone interested in applying can call 831317 or visit the shop.