BHF shops
'Try it, you won't regret it!' - student volunteer Emily on why she gives her time to BHF
This Student Volunteering Week (7th-13th February), University student and shop volunteer Emily Wright shares what she loves about her role.
What made you choose your local BHF shop as the place to volunteer?
I loved the place anyway, the shop is so cool, the people dead friendly. I just knew I would feel welcome, I knew I would fit in well and I really do. I knew straight away I had made the right choice.
What do you love about volunteering with us?
Meeting all the fantastic people who work and volunteer here, the atmosphere is great, we have lots of fun. The team are so friendly and made me feel so welcome, I just love it.
What kinds of activities do you get involved in?
All sorts, there is a good variety, you couldn’t possibly get bored. I love being on the shop floor talking to all the customers and just the buzz of it. The stock they get is amazing it’s like being in a treasure trove every day, seeing what’s going to come in next and what kinds of things people will be donating. This shop gets such fantastic clothing, new items donated from other brands, vintage and retro pieces, it’s so cool the items we see coming in – it's top-quality fashion on a budget.
What do you enjoy most about charity retail?
It’s so unique, the mix of people, the stock that comes in, the customers you get to meet. It also helps with sustainability that the clothing, books, shoes etc that people donate are sold on and not just thrown away. It’s reusing people’s unwanted things and that’s important to me. I love fashion but not fast fashion and the impact that has on the planet, so I feel charity retail is doing something positive in helping with this. It’s also great to know the money we raise in the shop is going to a fantastic cause too and helping the BHF do what it needs to do.
Would you recommend volunteering with us to other students or friends?
100% I would recommend it! I would tell them to give it a try, if you aren’t sure just go for it and see how you get on. You have nothing to lose by giving it a go. If you feel a little nervous about doing something different or stepping out of your comfort zone, that’s normal to feel like that but the beauty of volunteering is it’s no obligation; try it out! You won’t regret it. You will love it too, I’m sure.
Does volunteering help with gaining work experience?
I think volunteering provides good experience for any sort of work as it gives the opportunity to interact with customers and think on your feet.
What’s your most memorable moment?
When we were given a donation of vintage wedding dresses and I got to model them for the shop's Instagram page. I really appreciate vintage fashion, so I felt so lucky to have been able to wear such beautiful items!