Seven fantastic volunteers have clocked up 140 years’ service at our Barnards Green charity shop in Worcestershire.
BBC’s The Bidding Room star Ian Humphries paid a special visit to his local Acorns Children’s Hospice shop last week to recognise the milestone achievement of seven selfless volunteers who have clocked up an incredible 140 years’ service.
The popular antiques expert from Worcestershire joined the celebrations at Acorns shop in Barnards Green on Friday (2 June) to honour volunteers Nina Dale, Jenny South, Wendy Brookes, Sue Slack, Penny Bosley, Jan Greig and Alice Coaley.
The magnificent seven have each generously donated the gift of time for 20 years to the Court Road shop which raises funds towards the charity’s care for local children and families.
Ian, who is a familiar face at Acorns Barnards Green, said: “Twenty years is one hell of an achievement – congratulations! I am so humbled and grateful to be asked to join these celebrations. “I’m a regular visitor at Acorns shop in Barnards Green, I come here once or twice a week and all the staff and volunteers here are so welcoming. They’re always smiling so it’s obviously a brilliant place to work and volunteer.”
Volunteering at Acorns
Barnards Green Volunteer and service award recipient Penny Bosely said: “Being a mother and having worked at a playgroup, a cause like Acorns is something very close to my heart. I enjoy volunteering here and feel like I’m making a difference.
“We’re all a big family here, there’s a lovely atmosphere. I won’t be leaving anytime soon and look forward to continuing volunteering here.”
The Barnards Green celebrations were among a number of long service awards given to volunteers across Acorns network of retail shops.
In what was a very fitting way to mark National Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June), the charity recognised a total of 70 volunteers, presenting 25 five-year accolades, 23 10-year awards, and 13 15-year honours – taking the total number of years celebrated to a whopping 685.
Volunteering makes a difference
Trevor Johnson, Acorns CEO who joined Ian Humphries to present the Barnards Green volunteer awards, said: “We’re thrilled to recognise the exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment of all of our volunteers this Volunteers’ Week and it was an honour to join the celebrations at Barnards Green. “Our volunteers are remarkable individuals who selflessly dedicate their time and efforts to help us be there for local children and families and our retail shops play a vital role in raising the funds we need each year to provide this lifeline care and support.
“Put simply, none of it would be possible without our amazing volunteers. So, from everyone at Acorns, thank you for everything you do.”
If you are interested in volunteering for Acorns, whether in our shops, hospices or at our fundraising events, find out more and apply on our volunteering pages.
Shopping at Acorns shops and donating quality, pre-loved items are easy ways to support local children and families. Find your nearest Acorns shop.
